Various organisations in Brunei Darussalam and abroad were found to be involved in the collection and distribution of funds for purposes such as welfare, religion, culture, education, social and various other beneficial activities, normally called Non-Profit Organisation, NPO. In this regard, it had become the country's responsibility to carry out international standards monitoring in relation to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

NPO has a significant risk in being misused for the purpose of terrorist financing activity in various ways. Among them are diverting money transfers, impersonating legitimate organisations and carrying out Fundraising through digital transactions, making the NPO a platform to deliver radical messages and collect contributions as well as support from the public.

Individuals or groups wishing to make donations to NPOs in Brunei Darussalam and abroad, specifically through digital banking transaction, should be more vigilant. Obtain complete information on any organisation and ensure that collection and receipt of funds is carried out by a trusted organisation.

The public is reminded that actions which cause, assist and encourage prohibited activities that directly and indirectly contribute to terrorism are serious offences under section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Order 2011 and section 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Regulations, Terrorist Financing Regulations 2013. If found guilty they can be sentenced to an imprisonment of not more than 30 years or a fine of not more than $5 million and assets freezing without delay.

Source: Radio Television Brunei