Kuala lumpur: The Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB), recently dismantled by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Bangladesh. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that the group collected funds by charging an annual membership fee of RM500 per person, along with other voluntary contributions based on members' financial capabilities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, initial investigations revealed that the group had between 100 and 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals working in sectors such as factories, construction sites, and petrol stations across Malaysia. The funds collected were then transferred abroad using e-wallet applications and international money transfer services. Mohd Khalid noted that the group also utilized social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram for recruiting new members.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the amount of funds channelled by the group to IS networks in Syria and Bangladesh. The group reportedly used social media and messaging apps to spread IS propaganda, conduct baiah (oath of allegiance), and organize secret activities such as religious classes and member meetings. Individuals pledging allegiance online were appointed as cell leaders to expand the group's influence, with new members recruited in stages.
Mohd Khalid emphasized that there is no indication of Malaysian involvement in the group, which is believed to have been active in the country for about a year. Although the group was not planning attacks in Malaysia, it used the country as a base for fundraising and recruitment. The investigations are being conducted with support from Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol.
Police initially detected the group's activities through social media accounts operated by Bangladeshi nationals using Malaysian IP addresses to disseminate IS ideology. The first phase of the operation on April 28 led to the arrest of six individuals in Selangor and uncovered the structure of GMRB, which was based in Johor. The second phase on May 7 resulted in 14 more arrests in Johor, including the group's leader. The third phase, conducted from June 19 to 21, saw the arrest of another 16 individuals, effectively dismantling GMRB's main network in Malaysia.
Of the 36 suspects aged between 25 and 35, five have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, while 16 are detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) for further investigation and prosecution. Mohd Khalid mentioned that suspects with minimal involvement will be deported to their home countries. He stressed that national security is a top priority and urged Malaysians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.