US Imposes Sanctions on Maldivian Individuals and Companies Linked to Terrorism

Background

The United States government has imposed a series of sanctions on several individuals and companies in Maldives who have been linked to terrorist activities. These sanctions are part of the US government’s efforts to combat terrorism and disrupt the financial networks that support it.

Key Points

• Designated Entities: The following entities have been designated for being owned, controlled, or directed by Ali Shafiu, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224:
  • Panda Maldives Pvt Ltd
  • Al Athmaar
• Terrorist Leader: Ahmed Agleel is the leader of an al-Qa’ida cell based in Maldives that has ties to al-Nusrah Front, and has been involved in facilitating and financing the travel of Maldivian nationals to Syria as FTFs (Foreign Terrorist Fighters).
• High-Profile Financier: Ali Shiyam was a high-profile terrorist financier aligned with the al-Qa’ida cell operating in Maldives, and provided both ideological and financial support to other extremists, including Maldivian FTFs.
• Companies Linked to Terrorism: Several companies owned or controlled by Agleel and Shiyam have been designated for their links to terrorism, including:
  • Furaha Construction Pvt Ltd
  • Designer Garage
  • Southern Stallions Pvt Ltd
  • Golden Warriors Investment Pvt Ltd
  • Vaaly Brothers Pvt Ltd
  • Syskon Pvt Ltd
  • Shine. X Investments Pvt Ltd
  • Eriyadhu Investments Pvt Ltd
  • Jazeera Properties Pvt Ltd
  • Visions Maldives Pvt Ltd

Impact of Sanctions

The sanctions prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.