By Our Reporter
Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have taken firm action against a Ugandan national accused of facilitating terrorist operations for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Al-Qaeda in Iraq, by ordering the freezing of all his known financial assets.
The suspect, Abubakar Swalleh — who also goes by Abubakar Swaleh and Tom Kiyurige — was officially red-flagged by the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIUTT) following legal proceedings that identified him as an active terrorism financier and logistical supporter for ISIL since 2018.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over transnational terror financing networks operating in the East and Southern African regions, where Swalleh is believed to have been engaged in recruitment, fundraising, and material support operations for the extremist group.
Court-Ordered Asset Freeze
On June 17, 2025, Justice Karen Reid of the Trinidad and Tobago High Court granted a declaratory order against Swalleh under Section 22B of the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act. The ruling followed a formal application filed by Attorney General John Jeremie six days earlier.
The court concluded that Swalleh “provides financial, material or technological support for, or financial or other services to, or in support of ISIL (listed as Al-Qaeda in Iraq).”
In response to the court order, FIUTT Director Nigel Stoddard issued a nationwide directive to all financial institutions, instructing them to immediately freeze any assets or accounts linked to Swalleh, either directly or indirectly.
Cross-Continental Terror Links
Born in Uganda on January 13, 1992, Swalleh has reportedly been on international watchlists for years, allegedly playing a shadowy but pivotal role in mobilizing ISIL operations across East Africa. Intelligence reports link him to terror financing and radicalization programs, primarily targeting vulnerable populations in Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Officials say Swalleh operated under multiple identities, using front organizations and encrypted communication platforms to mask the transfer of funds and recruitment activities.
Although details remain classified, sources close to regional intelligence agencies suggest his networks may have intersected with radical cells operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, territories where ISIL and its affiliates continue to expand.
Regional Security Reactions
Security agencies across East Africa are reportedly coordinating with international counterparts following the red-flag designation.
The case highlights the increasing global scrutiny on terror financing, especially in regions where state capacity to detect illicit financial flows remains limited. Experts say international cooperation — particularly through intelligence sharing and judicial coordination — is essential to curbing the reach of groups like ISIL.
“Cutting off the money is as important as dismantling the networks,” noted Dr. Amina Khalid, a regional terrorism analyst. “Once financiers like Swalleh are identified and isolated, operational cells lose mobility and momentum.”
With Swalleh’s assets frozen and his name officially gazetted, further actions could include criminal prosecution, extradition efforts, or expanded sanctions, depending on ongoing investigations. Several nations are reportedly exploring ways to coordinate sanctions lists to prevent similar operatives from exploiting jurisdictional loopholes.
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