HomeCirculars › RBI/2023-2024/84

UAPA Section 51A: UNSC Sanctions List Updated for 5 Entries

Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2023-2024/84 · issued 15 Nov 2023 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI mandates all regulated entities to screen accounts against the updated UNSC 1267/1989 sanctions list. Four individual entries have been amended per UNSC press release SC/15492 dated November 14, 2023. Immediate compliance with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967 is required.
Sanctions-list safety note. This circular refers to a specific UN Security Council / UAPA designated-entities list update as it stood on the date above — sanctions lists change often, and a newer update almost certainly exists today. Never use this page, or any single dated circular, as your current screening list. Always screen against the live, current list at the official UAPA proscribed-organisations list and the UN Consolidated List, and confirm the obligations for your bank on the official rbi.org.in source below.
The rule, in the simplest words
How it plays out — a real example

As a branch operations officer in Indore, Rohan must ensure that his bank's screening system is updated with the latest UNSC sanctions list. He must then cross-check all existing customer accounts and transactions against the updated list to identify any matches. If he finds any accounts or transactions linked to individuals on the updated list, he must freeze them and report to the relevant authorities immediately to avoid any regulatory action.

What changed

The UNSC sanctions list under resolutions 1267/1989/2253 has been amended for four individuals: Mohamed Amin Mostafa, Said Jan 'Abd al-Salam, Iyad Ag Ghaly, and Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani. These amendments involve changes to names, aliases, passport details, and other identifying information. RBI has communicated these updates to all regulated entities via this circular.

What it means for you

Banks and other regulated entities must immediately update their screening databases to reflect these amendments. Failure to identify and freeze accounts linked to these individuals could lead to regulatory action. This reinforces the ongoing obligation to comply with UAPA and UNSC sanctions without delay.

What you must do

Who it affects

All scheduled commercial banks, Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Payment system operators, Other regulated entities under RBI's purview

❓ Common questions

What is the deadline for implementing these UNSC list updates?

The circular is dated November 15, 2023, and compliance should be immediate. There is no grace period specified; regulated entities must act promptly to update their screening systems and freeze any matched accounts.

📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2023-2024/84 DOR.AML.REC.56/14.06.001/2023-24 November 15, 2023 The Chairpersons / CEOs of all the Regulated Entities Madam / Dear Sir, Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA,1967: Updates to UNSC’s 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List: Amendments in 05 Entries Please refer to Section 51 of our Master Direction on Know Your Customer (MD on KYC) dated February 25, 2016 as amended from time to time, in terms of which “Regulated Entities (REs) shall ensure that in terms of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act, 1967 and amendments thereto, they do not have any account in the name of individuals/entities appearing in the lists of individuals and entities, suspected of having terrorist links, which are approved by and periodically circulated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).” 2. In this connection, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India has informed about the UNSC press release SC/15492 dated November 14, 2023 wherein the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities enacted the amendments to list entries and narrative summaries specified below with underline and strikethrough, in connection with individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021), and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. A. Individuals QDi.147 Name: 1: MOHAMED 2: AMIN 3: MOSTAFA 4: na Name (original script): محمد أمين مصطفى Title: na Designation: na DOB: 11 Oct. 1975 POB: Kirkuk, Iraq Good quality a.k.a. : na Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: Iraq Passport no: na National identification no: na Address: Via della Martinella 132, Parma, Italy (Domicile) Listed on: 12 Nov. 2003 (amended on 9 Sep. 2005, 7 Jun. 2007, 16 May 2011, 25 Oct. 2016, 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 14 Nov. 2023 ) Other information: Under administrative control measure in Italy scheduled to expire which expired on 15 Jan. 2012. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 21 Jun. 2010. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals QDi.289 Name: 1: SAID JAN 2: ‘ABD AL-SALAM 3: na 4: na Name (original script): سعید جان عبد السلام Title : na Designation : na DOB : a) 5 Feb. 1981 b) 1 Jan. 1972 POB : na Good quality a.k.a .: a) Sa'id Jan 'Abd-al-Salam b) Dilawar Khan Zain Khan born 1 Jan. 1972 Low quality a.k.a.: a) Qazi 'Abdallah b) Qazi Abdullah c) Ibrahim Walid d) Qasi Sa'id Jan e) Said Jhan f) Farhan Khan g) Aziz Cairo h) Nangiali Nationality : Afghanistan Passport no: a) Afghan number OR801168, issued on 28 Feb. 2006 (expire d s 27 Feb. 2011, under name Said Jan 'Abd al-Salam) b) Pakistan number 4117921, issued on 9 Sep. 2008 (expire d s 9 Sep. 2013, issued under name Dilawar Khan Zain Khan) National identification no: Kuwait Civil Identification number 281020505755 (issued under name Said Jan 'Abd al-Salam) Address: na Listed on: 9 Feb. 2011 (amended on 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 14 Nov. 2023 ) Other information: In approximately 2005, ran a “basic training” camp for Al-Qaida (QDe.004) in Pakistan. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals QDi.316 Name : 1: IYAD 2: AG GHALI 3: na 4: na Name (original script): اياد اغ غالي Title: na Designation: na DOB: 1958 POB: Abeibara, Kidal Region, Mali Good quality a.k.a.: Sidi Mohamed Arhali born 1 Jan. 1958 in Bouressa, Bourem Region, Mali Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: Mali Passport no: Mali number A1037434, issued on 10 Aug. 2001 (expire d s on 31 Dec. 2014) National identification no: Mali Birth certificate 012546 Address: Mali Listed on: 25 Feb. 2013 (amended on 23 Sep. 2014, 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 14 Nov. 2023 ) Other information: Founder and leader of Ansar Eddine (QDe.135). Member of the Tuareg Ifogas tribe. Linked to the Organization of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (QDe.014) and Mouvement pour l’Unification et le Jihad en Afrique de l’Ouest (MUJAO) (QDe.134). Name of father is Ag Bobacer Arhali, name of mother is Rhiachatou Wallet Sidi. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals QDi.317 Name: 1: ABU MOHAMMED 2: AL-JAWLANI 3: na 4: na Name (original script): أبو محمد الجولاني Title : na Designation : na DOB : Between 1975 and 1979 POB : Syrian Arab Republic Good quality a.k.a. : a) Abu Mohamed al-Jawlani (Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, Abu Muhammad al-Golani, Abu Muhammad Aljawlani, Muhammad al-Jawlani (transliterations of original script name)) b) Amjad Muzaffar Hussein Ali al-Naimi born 1980 in Syrian Arab Republic ((Mother’s name: Fatma Ali Majour. Address: Mosul, Souq al-Nabi Yunis) Low quality a.k.a. : a) شيخ الفاتح ، الفاتح (transliterations: Shaykh al-Fatih; Al Fatih) (Translation: The Conqueror) (Nom de guerre) b) Abu Ashraf Nationality : Syrian Arab Republic Passport no : na National identification no : na Address : (Active in Syria as at Jun. 2013) Listed on : 24 Jul. 2013 (amended on 2 Jun. 2014, 10 Dec. 2015, 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 14 Nov. 2023 ) Other information : Description: Dark complexion. Height: 1.70 m. Since Jan. 2012, he is the Leader of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QDe.137), a Syria-based group listed in May 2014, and previously listed as an alias of Al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) (QDe.115) between 30 May 2013 and 13 May 2014. Associated with Aiman Muhammed Rabi al-Zawahiri (QDi.006). Wanted by the Iraqi security forces. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals B. Entities QDe.012 Name: MAKHTAB AL-KHIDAMAT Name (original script): مكتب الخدمات A.k.a.: a) MAK b) Al Kifah c) Afghan Service Bureau F.k.a.: na Address: na Listed on: 6 Oct. 2001 (amended on 5 Mar. 2009, 13 Dec. 2011, 24 Nov. 2020, 8 Nov. 2022, 14 Nov. 2023 ) Other information: Absorbed into Al-Qaida (QDe.004). Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 21 Jun. 2010. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2368 (2017) was concluded on 24 November 2020. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Entities 3. In accordance with paragraph 58 of resolution 2610 (2021), the Committee has made accessible on its website the narrative summaries of reasons for listing of the above entries at the following URL: www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries . 4. Press release regarding the above can be found at https://press.un.org/en/2023/sg15492.doc.htm . Further, the UNSC press releases concerning amendments to the list are available at URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/press-releases 5. The details of the sanction measures and exemptions are available at the following URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267#further_information 6. In view of the above, REs are advised to take appropriate action in terms of Section 51 of the MD on KYC and strictly follow the procedure as laid down in the UAPA Order dated February 02, 2021(amended on August 29, 2023) annexed to the MD on KYC. 7. Updated lists of individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and Taliban are available at: www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials 8. Further, as per the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), any request for delisting received by any RE is to be forwarded electronically to Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA for consideration. Individuals, groups, undertakings or entities seeking to be removed from the Security Council’s ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List can submit their request for delisting to an independent and impartial Ombudsperson who has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. More details are available at the following URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application 9. REs are advised to take note of the aforementioned UNSC communications and ensure meticulous compliance. Yours faithfully, (Santosh Kumar Panigrahy) Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2023-2024/84 · issued 15 Nov 2023. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
🧰 Tools — save, print, templates & related
Who does what — compliance checklist
💻 IT / Systems
  • Update your AML/KYC screening systems with the amended UNSC list entries for the four individuals mentioned.
📜 Compliance
  • Cross-check all existing customer accounts and transactions against the updated list to identify any matches.
  • Freeze and report any accounts or transactions linked to these individuals to the relevant authorities immediately.
  • Ensure compliance with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967 and RBI's Master Direction on KYC for all future onboarding.
Grouped from the action items above — a single circular may involve more than one team.
Worked example & action-note template

Example: if you are an IT/Systems lead at a bank this circular applies to (All scheduled commercial banks, Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Payment system operators, Other regulated entities under RBI's purview), your first concrete step on “UAPA Section 51A: UNSC Sanctions List Updated for 5 Entries” is: “Update your AML/KYC screening systems with the amended UNSC list entries for the four individuals mentioned.” (RBI issued this 15 Nov 2023).

  1. Circular: RBI/2023-2024/84 -- UAPA Section 51A: UNSC Sanctions List Updated for 5 Entries
  2. Issued: 15 Nov 2023
  3. Action required: Update your AML/KYC screening systems with the amended UNSC list entries for the four individuals mentioned.
  4. Action required: Cross-check all existing customer accounts and transactions against the updated list to identify any matches.
  5. Action required: Freeze and report any accounts or transactions linked to these individuals to the relevant authorities immediately.
  6. Action required: Ensure compliance with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967 and RBI's Master Direction on KYC for all future onboarding.
  7. Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
  8. Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
  9. Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.

💬 Banker Discussion

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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12566&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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