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Bangladeshi Nationals Linked to IS Spread Propaganda and Recruit Members from Malaysia's Migrant Worker Community

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A group of Bangladeshi nationals linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group used social media platforms to spread propaganda and recruit members from within Malaysia's migrant worker community, said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. The police's special branch first detected the group through a number of Facebook accounts sharing IS-related content, all traced back to internet protocol addresses originating in Malaysia. The group's modus operandi involved recruiting members through labour sectors, using social media to spread radical ideologies, and messaging applications to circulate propaganda and coordinate activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The group of Bangladeshi nationals used social media platforms to spread propaganda and recruit members from within Malaysia's migrant worker community.
  • The police detected the group through a number of Facebook accounts sharing IS-related content, all traced back to internet protocol addresses originating in Malaysia.
  • The group's recruitment strategy involved targeting the Bangladeshi community working in Malaysia, using labour sectors such as factories, construction sites, and petrol stations.
  • Members paid RM500 annually to the Bangladesh 'radical militant movement' in membership fees.
  • The group used mobile payment applications such as Touch 'n Go and bKash, as well as international money transfer services, to raise funds to support militant activities.
  • The police have detected between 100 and 150 individuals involved in the WhatsApp group, and will take appropriate action and repatriate them to their home country.
  • The group also carried out recruitment in phases, beginning with a vetting process and progressing towards the formation of more elite members.
  • The security implication for Malaysia is that the country is at risk of becoming a logistics and transit hub for foreign militants.

Statistics:

  • Between 100 and 150 individuals are involved in the WhatsApp group.
  • Members paid RM500 annually to the Bangladesh 'radical militant movement' in membership fees.
  • The police arrested 36 Bangladesh citizens last week who were found to be directly involved in a 'radical militant movement' centred on extremist beliefs and terrorism ideology.
  • The group used mobile payment applications to raise funds to support militant activities.

Sources:

  • Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
  • Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

Reference: The Star Online, "IS recruiting Bangladeshis in Malaysia: IGP"

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