Hard cash and not bank transaction used to fund militants, terrorists

The 28 Malaysian and foreign individuals in the country suspected of sponsoring militant or terrorist activities, deliver the funds in cold hard cash.

Bukit Aman Counter Terrorism principal assistant director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspects used the conventional approach of cash on delivery rather than bank transactions, to avoid being detected by police.

"It was the outcome of police investigations on the 28 individuals detained on suspicion of being involved in militant activities in the country this year," he said when contacted by Bernama here on Wednesday.

He said the suspects, comprising 20 Malaysians and eight foreigners had links with Al-Qaeda, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Jemaah Islamiah (JI), Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the Sikh Terrorist and Darul Islam groups.

"Police are constantly updating intelligence with Interpol and the United Nations Security Council committee on potential suspects in efforts to terminate these groups," he said.

According to him, police investigations also found that the militant or terrorist supporters also used the informal value transfer system, 'hawala', to deliver the cash.

Meanwhile, Ayob Khan said the 28 individuals were investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.