US Imposes Sanctions on Maldives Over Terrorism Allegations

The United States has taken action against individuals and businesses in Maldives due to their involvement in supporting terrorism. 

This includes 20 operatives affiliated with ISIS, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), and al-Qa’ida. Additionally, 29 companies associated with these individuals have also been designated.

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Among those sanctioned are leaders of terrorist-affiliated criminal gangs in Maldives and associates of a prominent ISIS-K recruiter, Mohamad Ameen. Some of these individuals have been involved in planning or carrying out attacks against journalists and local authorities.

The Addu City cell, an ISIS-affiliated group based in Maldives, has been attempting terror plots since 2018, including attacks using improvised explosive devices and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. 

Jinaau Naseem, the self-proclaimed emir of the Addu City cell, has provided financial support to Maldivian ISIS fighters in Syria. Mohamed Thasleem has been involved in planning terrorist operations for the cell, while Faris Mohamed Didi and Ali Nihadh are members of its operational team. Mohamed Naushad Shareef, a member of the cell, has encouraged and participated in attempted attacks using IEDs.

The ISIS-aligned criminal gang Kuda Henveyru, led by Ahmed Alif Rauf, Mohamed Inthif Rauf, and Ibrahim Aleef Rauf, has attempted to raise funds for Maldivian ISIS fighters in Syria through large-scale robberies. They have played crucial roles in obtaining funding for ISIS’s activities abroad.

Associates of ISIS-K recruiter Mohamad Ameen, such as 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 been involved in various terrorist plots and activities.

Furthermore, individuals linked to the al-Qa’ida cell in Maldives, including Ahmed Agleel and Ali Shiyam, have been designated for their roles in facilitating and financing the travel of Maldivian nationals to Syria.

The sanctions imposed mean that all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Financial institutions and other entities engaging in transactions with the designated persons may also face sanctions.

The goal of these sanctions is to deter terrorist activities and encourage positive behavioral change.