The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken significant actions against key leaders and financial facilitators affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al-Qa’ida in the Maldives. OFAC on Monday designated 20 individuals associated with ISIS, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), and al-Qa’ida, along with 29 companies linked to these individuals. The move is aimed at disrupting terrorist support networks and preventing financial and other assistance for global terrorist attacks.

Addu City Cell: ISIS-Affiliated Terrorists

The Addu City cell, an ISIS-affiliated group based in the Maldives, has been attempting terror plots since 2018, including attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The self-proclaimed emir of the cell, Jinaau Naseem, has provided financial support to Maldivian ISIS foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) in Syria. Other key members, Mohamed Thasleem, Faris Mohamed Didi, Ali Nihadh, and Mohamed Naushad Shareef, have been involved in various terrorist operations and attempted attacks. Several Maldives-based companies associated with these individuals have also been designated.

ISIS-Aligned Criminal Gang and Leaders

Ahmed Alif Rauf, Mohamed Inthif Rauf, and Ibrahim Aleef Rauf lead the ISIS-aligned criminal gang Kuda Henveyru in the Maldives. The gang has attempted to raise funds for Maldivian ISIS FTFs in Syria and has engaged in large-scale robberies. These leaders have played critical roles in financing ISIS activities abroad, and some of the companies owned or controlled by them have also been designated.

Associates of ISIS-K Recruiter Mohamad Ameen

Several individuals associated with key ISIS-K recruiter Mohamad Ameen have been designated for their roles in terrorist activities. Abdulla Ali Manik, Moosa Inas, Abdulla Shareef, Hussain Shamil, Ahmed Mubeen, Ameen Ahmed, Yoosuf Shaheed, Ahmed Afraah, Mohamed Maathiu Abdul Razzaq, and Ali Shafiu have assisted, sponsored, or provided financial support to ISIS as per the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Additionally, Maldives-based companies connected to these individuals have also been designated.

Al-Qaida Operatives Designated

Ahmed Agleel and Ali Shiyam, leaders of the al-Qa’ida cell in the Maldives, have been designated for their involvement in facilitating and financing the travel of Maldivian nationals to Syria as FTFs. Several companies owned or controlled by these individuals have also been designated.

Sanctions Implications

The U.S. Treasury Department’s designations mean that all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Transactions with these sanctioned entities and individuals may expose financial institutions and other parties to sanctions or enforcement actions.