Singapore Businessman Charged with Fund‑Financing Terrorist Attacks in Syria
A Cold‑Case Interview via Video Link
No Bail, No Better Days
The prosecutor put it bluntly: “Bail would be prejudicial to Singapore’s security.” As a result, no money was offered for release. The case is slated for another hearing on August 11.
The Money Trail
Between December 2013 and early 2014, the prosecution alleges Kazali sent money to Wan Mohd Aquil Wan Zainal Abidin. The funds were meant to help plan attacks in Syria:
Under Singapore’s Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act, each charge can land Kazali up to 10 years behind bars, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
From Malaysia to Singapore
In December 2018, Malaysian Special Branch officers nabbed Kazali in Malaysia. He was handed over to Singapore, where an Internal Security Act (ISA) detention order was issued on January 2019 because of his support for ISIS.
MHA’s statement highlighted his ties to Akel Zainal (aka Akel Zainal), a high‑ranking ISIS fighter from Syria whose death was reported in March 2019.
Rash Behaviour at Its Finest
Akel, formerly of the 1990s Malaysian rock band Ukays, allegedly instructed two fellow Malaysians to target places of worship and police stations in 2019. The plots were foiled when the suspects were arrested in November 2018.
The Future Binds Him Inside a Locked Door
If Kazali is convicted, the ISA detention order will be voided, and he will serve whatever sentence the bench gives him. He will be held in a separate facility for extra rehabilitation, ensuring he doesn’t spread his radical ideas to other inmates. After his sentence, authorities will evaluate his rehabilitation; if he remains a threat, he may be detained further under the ISA.
Singapore’s Oath Against Terror Financing
The Ministry stresses that it is committed to clamping down on terror financing, whether the money is used locally or abroad. Citizens are urged to stay away from any financial support to terrorist groups and to report suspicious activity promptly.
