Singapore PR to be charged over alleged funding for planned Gaza attack

SINGAPORE: A 23-year-old Myanmar national who is a Singapore permanent resident will be charged in court on 29 July 2026 for allegedly providing money for terrorist purposes, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The charge is linked to funds he allegedly sent to facilitate planned attacks in Gaza, MHA said.

The offence, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act 2002, concerns the provision of money for terrorist purposes.

Online activity prompted investigation

Investigations by the Internal Security Department (ISD) began after the man’s extremist online postings came to the authorities’ attention.

According to MHA, he is believed to have been radicalised through content consumed online.

The ministry said the man developed a strong hatred towards Muslims in 2024 after being exposed to Islamophobic material following Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel.

MHA said he also subscribed to an extremist interpretation of Zionism and believed 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,” MHA said.

The ministry said the man subsequently made online postings expressing support for violence against Jews and Muslims.

MHA added that his postings also expressed support for violence against groups typically targeted by far-right extremists, including immigrants to Europe and the LGBT community.

Funds allegedly sent to overseas contact

ISD investigations found that the man transferred funds in August 2024 to an overseas-based individual he had contacted through social media platform X.

According to MHA, the individual claimed to be raising money to purchase military equipment.

The man allegedly believed the equipment would be used to carry out an attack in Gaza City aimed at eradicating Palestinians, including civilians.

The case was subsequently referred to the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), which found that the man transferred US$72.28 and attempted to send an additional US$1.

The transfers were allegedly made through PayPal accounts designated by the individual contacted through X.

MHA said providing money for terrorist purposes constitutes a serious offence regardless of the amount involved.

Penalties for terrorist financing

Anyone convicted of providing money for terrorist purposes faces a maximum fine of S$500,000, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.

MHA said terrorism and terrorist financing posed grave threats to domestic and international security, adding that global action was required to deprive terrorist groups of funding and materials.

“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,” the ministry said.

“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.”

Authorities warn against terrorist support

MHA said authorities would not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who supports, promotes, undertakes or makes preparations for armed violence.

The ministry said such action would apply regardless of how individuals rationalised their ideologies or where the violence was intended to take place.

Members of the public were also reminded not to remit money of any amount or provide support through services, supplies or other material to terrorist organisations.

The warning also covered assistance intended to facilitate or carry out terrorist acts.

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