Malaysia has dismantled a terror network that had recruited Bangladeshi migrant workers and financed the Islamic State group using social media and digital payments. Authorities detained 36 individuals since April and indicate that additional suspects are still being investigated.
The crackdown comes at the height of a regional slowdown in militant arrests but indicates ongoing threats in migrant-dominated industries.
Police Confirm Radical Recruitment
Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail made the operation announcement on a televised press conference. He said Malaysian authorities arrested all 36 Bangladeshi nationals who worked in factories, construction, or service sectors. The group reportedly employed social media sites and encrypted messaging applications to recruit other Bangladeshi workers and indoctrinate them with Islamic State ideology.
The network, as per police intelligence, also collected donations from sympathizers. They remitted the funds through e-wallets and international remittance services to Islamic State-affiliated groups in Syria and Bangladesh.
Several Arrests and Deportations in Progress
Malaysian authorities have charged five of the 36 suspects arrested since April with membership in a terrorist organization under national law. They will deport 15 others for lesser involvement. Police continue to detain the remaining 16, actively interrogating them. Investigators also expect to make more arrests in the coming weeks.
Mohd Khalid stated, “We will repatriate those with low involvement to their home country, but those with high involvement will be charged according to Malaysian laws.” Police estimate that 100 to 150 individuals may have links to this radical cell.
Wider Implications for Migrant Workforce
Malaysia, where migrant workers dominate its workforce, particularly from Bangladesh, has become more wary of the threat of radicalization of foreign workers. Although significant militant activity had ceased since the 2016 Islamic State-linked attack in Kuala Lumpur, new methods of digital recruitment and financing pose a serious threat, according to authorities.
Use of encrypted remittance channels and apps makes it harder to surveil, leading Malaysian intelligence agencies to step up surveillance of online networks and financial transactions associated with suspected radicals.
Regional Security Under Threat
This case highlights the need for more robust regional counterterrorism coordination and migrant monitoring. Law enforcement authorities in Malaysia as well as Bangladesh will likely enhance coordination to stop similar networks from flourishing across borders.
As the probe goes on, Malaysia remains vigilant. Malaysia will step up checks on foreign workers, especially in industries with little background screening.
