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The Banadir Regional Court has issued an arrest warrant for Ramadaan Caydaruus Cali, who is facing serious criminal charges of terrorism financing and money laundering. The charges were brought forward by Somalia’s Office of the Attorney General.
In a statement released on Sunday, prosecutors said they had gathered early evidence suggesting that Cali used his personal bank account to move large amounts of money to support terrorist activities. These funds are believed to have been used to undermine Somalia’s national security.
Following the review of the evidence, the court ordered that Cali be taken into custody as investigations continue. He will be held temporarily while authorities work to uncover more details about his alleged involvement. However, officials have not shared further information about how much money was transferred, when the transactions took place, or who received the funds.
This case comes as Somalia steps up efforts to tackle the financial networks supporting terrorism, especially the al-Shabaab militant group. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has been working actively to disrupt these networks.
In recent months, NISA has shut down around 20,000 online accounts, as well as hundreds of bank and mobile money accounts believed to be linked to al-Shabaab. These actions are part of a broader campaign to cut off the group’s funding and prevent future attacks.
The Attorney General’s Office has emphasized its strong stance against terrorism financing. Officials warned that anyone found involved in such illegal activities will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The government says it will not tolerate any efforts to fund or support groups that threaten the peace and safety of the country.
Although details in Cali’s case remain limited for now, the charges signal a growing focus on tracking and punishing those who support terrorism through financial means. The Somali government believes that cutting off funds is one of the most effective ways to weaken terrorist groups and prevent them from carrying out attacks.
The court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant marks a significant step in the investigation. It also sends a strong message that the justice system is actively pursuing individuals who may be helping fund terrorism behind the scenes.
Money laundering and terrorism financing are both considered serious crimes in Somalia, and anyone found guilty can face harsh penalties, including long prison sentences. The authorities are urging the public and financial institutions to report any suspicious financial activities that could be linked to terrorism.
In recent years, Somalia has made efforts to strengthen its laws and institutions to fight terrorism and financial crimes. However, challenges remain, particularly when it comes to monitoring informal money transfer systems, which are widely used across the country.
Despite these difficulties, the government says it is determined to continue its crackdown. The case against Cali is likely to be closely watched as a test of Somalia’s ability to hold individuals accountable for financing terrorism.
Authorities have not yet revealed when Cali will appear in court or what the next steps in the investigation will be. Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office continues to work with intelligence agencies to gather more evidence and trace financial flows linked to terrorist groups.
As Somalia continues to battle terrorism on multiple fronts, efforts to cut off funding sources are expected to remain a top priority.