Singapore charges man with terrorism financing over Gaza-linked fund transfers

A 23-year-old Myanmar national, Saw Ryan Htoo, who is a permanent resident in Singapore, faces charges of terrorism financing. The prosecution alleges that he made fund transfers with the intention of supporting attacks in Gaza, a claim he denies, stating he will not plead guilty.

Htoo is accused of transferring US$72.28 in August 2024 to a PayPal account, allegedly to facilitate a terrorist act in Gaza City. He also allegedly attempted a further US$1 transfer to another PayPal account for the same purpose. His family has indicated they will engage a lawyer to represent him.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the case surfaced after Htoo's extremist online posts attracted the attention of authorities. Investigations by the Internal Security Department suggest he became radicalized through online extremist content. Initially developing a hatred for Muslims after exposure to Islamophobic material following the Oct 7, 2023 attacks, he later developed anti-Semitic views, consuming far-right extremist narratives.

The investigation further revealed that Htoo had communicated on social media with an overseas user soliciting donations for military equipment, believing the funds would aid attacks aimed at eradicating Palestinians. The case has been referred to the Commercial Affairs Department for potential terrorism-financing offenses. If convicted, Htoo faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to S$500,000.

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I will not be pleading guilty.