The annual report of central bank MMA’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) shows numerous cases of terrorist groups allegedly receiving funding from within the Maldives.

According to the report, the unit analyzed 23 cases of money laundering and transactions with countries that harbor terrorists.

54 percent, or seven, of the cases highlighted by the annual report are regarding the funding of terrorist groups.

FIU stated that it is likely that terrorist groups are self-financing via the Maldives monetary institutions, which include people spending for food and travel when leaving to join foreign conflicts.

FIU has sent the cases to the relevant investigative authorities, with 10 cases going to the police service and four going to the counter-terrorism center.