A 23-year-old Singapore permanent resident who is also a Myanmar national will be charged in court on July 29, 2026, after allegedly transferring money to help finance terrorist acts in Gaza.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that the case arose after the Internal Security Department (ISD) investigated the man over extremist content he had allegedly posted online. Investigators later uncovered financial transactions believed to be linked to terrorism financing.
If convicted, the accused could face significant penalties under Singapore’s anti-terrorism laws.
Investigation Began After Extremist Online Activity
According to MHA, ISD launched investigations after the man’s online extremist posts came to the attention of the authorities.
Investigations found that he was allegedly radicalised after consuming extremist material on the internet. In 2024, following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attacks against Israel, he reportedly developed a strong hatred towards Muslims after viewing Islamophobic content online.
The authorities said he adopted an extremist interpretation of Zionism and came to believe that the killing of Palestinian Muslims was justified.
By early 2025, investigators said his views shifted again after he began consuming far-right extremist and anti-Semitic material on social media. He allegedly developed hostility towards Jews and started expressing support online for violence against both Jews and Muslims.
His posts also allegedly targeted other groups commonly singled out by far-right extremists, including immigrants in Europe and members of the LGBT community.
Allegedly Sent Money to Support Terrorist Acts
ISD’s investigations revealed that in August 2024, the accused allegedly transferred money to an overseas-based user on the social media platform X.
The overseas user reportedly claimed to be raising donations to purchase military equipment intended to facilitate a terrorist attack in Gaza City aimed at eradicating Palestinians, including civilians.
Given the suspected terrorism financing offences, ISD referred the matter to the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for further investigations.
CAD’s investigations allegedly found that the man transferred US$72.28 to PayPal accounts designated by the overseas user and attempted to send an additional US$1 for the same purpose.
Authorities believe the funds were intended to facilitate terrorist acts in Gaza.
Terrorism Financing Carries Heavy Penalties
MHA stressed that providing financial support for terrorist purposes is a serious criminal offence under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act 2002, regardless of the amount involved.
Anyone convicted may face a fine of up to S$500,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The ministry emphasised that terrorism and its financing remain serious threats to both Singapore and the international community, adding that Singapore remains committed to disrupting financial support for terrorist activities whether they occur locally or overseas.
MHA said the Government will take firm action against anyone who supports, promotes or prepares for armed violence, regardless of the ideology involved or where the violence is intended to take place.
Public Urged Not to Support Terrorist Organisations
The authorities reminded members of the public not to send money, provide services, materials or any other form of support to terrorist organisations or individuals involved in terrorist activities.
MHA also urged anyone with information relating to terrorism financing or terrorist activities to report the matter promptly to the authorities.
As court proceedings have not yet commenced, the allegations against the accused have not been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.