Singapore PR to be charged with terrorism financing over Gaza donation

The 23-year-old Myanmar national is accused of transferring US$72.28 to someone he believed was raising money to buy military equipment for an attack in Gaza City.

SINGAPORE: A 23-year-old Myanmar national who is a Singapore permanent resident will be charged in court on Wednesday (Jul 29) for allegedly financing terrorism after sending funds to facilitate planned attacks in Gaza.

Investigations by the Internal Security Department (ISD) were launched after the man’s extremist online postings came to the authorities’ attention. He is believed to have been radicalised through content consumed online.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the man developed a strong hatred towards Muslims in 2024 after being exposed to Islamophobic material following Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. He also subscribed to an extremist interpretation of Zionism, believing violence against Palestinian Muslims was justified.

“By early 2025, the accused also developed a strong hatred towards Jews after consuming far-right extremist and anti-Semitic narratives on social media,” said MHA.

“He began making online postings expressing support for the use of violence against Jews and Muslims, as well as other groups typically targeted by far-right extremists, such as immigrants to Europe and the LGBT community.”

ISD investigations found that in August 2024, the man transferred funds to an overseas-based individual he had contacted on social media platform X. The individual had claimed to be raising money to purchase military equipment, which the accused believed would be used to carry out an attack in Gaza City aimed at eradicating Palestinians, including civilians, said MHA.

The case was referred to the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), which found that the man transferred US$72.28 and attempted to send an additional US$1 via PayPal accounts designated by the X user.

“Providing money in support of terrorist purposes (regardless of the amount) is a serious offence under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act 2002,” said MHA.

Anyone convicted of doing so may face a fine not exceeding S$500,000, up to 10 years’ jail, or both.

“Terrorism and terrorist financing are grave threats to domestic and international security, and global action is required to deprive terrorist groups of funding and materials,” said MHA.

“Singapore is part of this global effort and is strongly committed to combatting terrorist financing, regardless of whether the monies are used to facilitate terrorist acts locally or abroad. We do not condone and will take firm action against individuals using Singapore as a base to conduct or support terrorist activities, whether locally or overseas.”

The ministry added that the authorities would not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who supports, promotes, undertakes, or makes preparations for armed violence, regardless of how they rationalise such ideologies

or where the violence takes place.

“Members of the public are reminded not to remit money of any amount, or provide any support through the provision of services, supplies or any material to a terrorist organisation, or for facilitating or carrying out any terrorist act," it said.

“Anyone with information on such activities should inform the authorities promptly.”