James Kon
The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) yesterday cautioned against making donations or collecting funds for non-profit organisations (NPOs) that could be fronts for terrorism.
NPOs have a significant risk of being misused for “terrorism financing”, said the RBPF in a statement, explaining that terrorists can exploit the collecting and distribution of funds for charity, religion, culture, social and other “good causes” for terrorism-related activities.
Terror groups can also use NPOs as a platform to send radical messages and garner support from the public.
The RBPF advised individuals or groups wishing to make a donation to an NPO in Brunei Darussalam or abroad to obtain full information on organisations before making a contribution, especially through digital banking transactions.
The public should be vigilant and ensure the collection and distribution of funds are run by trusted organisations, said the RBPF.
The RBPF reminded the public that action that causes, assist or encourage prohibited activity that contribute to terrorists directly or indirectly is a serious offence, and can be prosecuted under Section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Order 2011 and Section 5 of the Anti-Terrorism (Terrorist Financing) Regulations 2013. If found guilty, offenders can face imprisonment of not more than 30 years and/or a fine of not more than BND5 million while having property immediately frozen.
