The Malaysian police have dismantled a network that promoted Islamic State (IS) ideology and raised money for the group among Bangladeshi workers living in the country. The network, known as “Gerakan Militan Radical Bangladesh” (GMRB), was recruiting members from the Bangladeshi community working in various sectors such as factories, construction sites, and petrol stations.
The police arrested 36 Bangladeshi men aged between 25 and 35 in a massive operation conducted in three phases between April 28 and June 21. The arrests were made in Johor and Selonghor, and the cell leader was amongst those detained. The investigation revealed that the group was not planning any terror attack in Malaysia but was instead focused on recruiting members and spreading IS beliefs and ideologies.
The group’s modus operandi involved recruiting members through labor sectors, using social media platforms such as Facebook to spread radical and extremist ideologies, and utilizing messaging applications like WhatsApp and Telegram to circulate propaganda and coordinating activities. The group also raised funds to support militant activities using mobile payment applications and international money transfer services.
The police detected between 100 and 150 individuals involved in the WhatsApp group, and initial investigations revealed that each member was required to pay a RM500 yearly membership fee. The group also raised funds to support militant activities using mobile payment applications such as Touch ‘n go and bKash, as well as international money transfer services. The total funds collected by the group are still under investigation.
The police have charged five individuals with “membership of a terrorist group”, while 15 will be departed to Bangladesh. Another 16 remain in police custody pending further investigation. The police inspector-general, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, stated that the action taken by the E8 was necessary to prevent Malaysia from becoming a logistic and transit hub for foreign militants.
“As for those with minimal involvement, we will take appropriate actions and repatriate them to their home country. For those deeply involved , we will take legal action and charge them under our national laws,” he added.
He said individuals who pledged the ‘baiah’, or oath of allegiance online were then made responsible for leading new cells established in certain areas, with the aim of expanding the group’s influence and operations.
“In addition, recruitment was carried out in phases, beginning with a vetting process and progressing towards the formation of more elite members,” he added.
The security implication for Malaysia is that the country was at risk of becoming a logistics and transit hub for foreign militants, which could tarnish the country’s image by associating it with radical elements. The police emphasized that national security is their highest priority and will not be compromised under any circumstances.
The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, confirmed that the police had arrested 36 Bangladesh citizens who were directly involved in a “radical militant movement” centered on extremist beliefs and terrorism ideology. The police’s planned security operations had started from April 24 with three phases of arrests in Selangor and Johor.
The dismantling of the GMRB network is a significant security success but highlights the diverse way that IS recruits members and raises finances from its sympathizers. All that is left to wonder is how has yet another IS group had its security breached and does this represent an ongoing trend of leaks to law enforcement?