Kuala Lumpur dismantles ISIS network recruiting migrants from Bangladesh

At least 36 men between the ages of 25 and 35 have been arrested in a series of operations against the terrorist network launched in April in the country. The militants recruited new recruits via WhatsApp, with rituals and oaths.

Among the group's other objectives was to raise funds to finance operations in Syria and South Asia. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - In one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in recent years, Malaysian police have dismantled a radical militant group from Bangladesh believed to be supporting the activities of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) in Syria, as well as in their country of origin.

The extremist movement, known as Gerakan Militan Radical Bangladesh (Gmrb), had quietly infiltrated Malaysia's migrant workforce, recruiting members and raising funds for global jihadist efforts.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail revealed in a press briefing today that the militant cell was uncovered after “months” of information gathering and covert surveillance by the elite Anti-Terrorism Division (E8) of the Special Branch.

‘We believe their main mission was to support Islamic State operations abroad, not to launch attacks here,’ Inspector Khalid told reporters at Bukit Aman headquarters. ‘But the long-term implications of their ideology and funding structure are deeply worrying’ for Kuala Lumpur.

The cell's methods were both modern and disturbing. Recruitment and indoctrination took place largely through the social messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram, encrypted platforms commonly used by terrorist groups around the world to evade detection.

‘Our initial investigations indicate that the group had between 100 and 150 members in its WhatsApp network alone,’ Khalid continued. ‘They shared propaganda, coordinated activities and raised funds, all digitally.’

The members, mainly Bangladeshi nationals working in factories, construction sites and other industries, were lured into the fold through an oath-taking ritual known as bai'ah, a solemn pledge of allegiance often used by extremist groups to enforce loyalty.

The authorities believe the group raised significant sums, although the total amount remains under investigation. Each member was reportedly required to pay an annual fee of RM500 (approximately £100), with voluntary donations further contributing to the group's coffers.

‘They used membership fees as a form of ideological acquisition, but also to fund ISIS-related activities abroad,’ Khalid said. The senior police official added that the funds were sent to Islamic State affiliates in Syria and Bangladesh, raising alarm bells among international counter-terrorism agencies. Since then, Malaysia has launched joint intelligence efforts with regional partners and Interpol to uncover the GMRB's wider financial and operational links.

The militant cell was dismantled in a three-phase operation conducted between 28 April and 21 June. Thirty-six Bangladeshi men, aged between 25 and 35, were arrested in coordinated raids in Johor and Selangor. Among those arrested was the alleged leader of the network.

Five of the suspects have already been charged in court. Another 15 have been handed over to the Immigration Department, likely for deportation, while the remaining 16 are still under investigation under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or Sosma.

‘Our officers acted swiftly and decisively to dismantle the group before it could grow further or serve as a local springboard for extremist activities,’ Khalid said. The group did not intend to plan attacks on the territory, but its ideology posed a clear and growing threat.

‘This is not just about bombs and weapons. The spread of radical ideas, especially within vulnerable communities, is how extremism takes root,’ the inspector warned.

Authorities are also investigating whether Malaysia has been used as a safe transit or logistical base by foreign militants. ‘The open economy, relative security and large immigrant population can make it an attractive base for radical groups if left unchecked,’ Khalid warned.

‘We cannot allow Malaysia to be used as a safe haven, recruitment area or financial hub for global terrorism,’ he continued. He finally stressed that radical groups often target migrant workers, exploiting their isolation, financial difficulties and desire for purpose or belonging.

In the past, Malaysia has dealt with individuals attempting to join ISIS or harbouring sympathies for extremist causes. But the size, coordination and ideological structure of the GMBR mark ‘a worrying evolution’ in the threat landscape.

According to security experts, the case ultimately highlights the need for greater surveillance of digital spaces, greater engagement with migrant communities and stronger international cooperation. The arrests have been welcomed by regional security agencies, which see the case as a wake-up call for neighbouring countries with large migrant populations.