What changed
The UN Security Council Committee amended one entry on its ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List, specifically updating details for individual Sanaullah Ghafari (also known as Dr. Shahab al Muhajir), leader of ISIL-Khorasan. The amendment was enacted via UNSC press release SC/15682 dated April 25, 2024, and communicated to RBI by the Ministry of External Affairs.
What it means for you
Banks and all regulated entities must immediately check their customer databases against the updated UN sanctions list and freeze any accounts or assets belonging to the amended individual. Failure to comply with Section 51A of UAPA can lead to regulatory action. This is a routine but critical update to ensure India's financial system is not used by terrorist entities.
What you must do
- Screen all existing and new customers against the updated UNSC 1267/1989 sanctions list, focusing on the amended entry for Sanaullah Ghafari.
- Freeze without prior notice any accounts, transactions, or assets linked to the listed individual and report to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) and the Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA.
- Update internal AML/KYC systems and watchlists to reflect the latest UNSC list changes as per the MEA notification.
- Forward any de-listing requests received from customers to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), Ministry of Home Affairs, as per MHA instructions.
Who it affects
All scheduled commercial banks, Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Payment system operators, All other regulated entities under RBI's AML/KYC framework
What is the source of this sanctions list update?
The update originates from the UN Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267, 1989, and 2253, which amended one entry on its ISIL & Al-Qaida Sanctions List. The Ministry of External Affairs communicated this to RBI, which then issued the circular to all regulated entities.
What action must my bank take immediately?
Your bank must screen all customers against the updated list, freeze any assets or accounts of the newly specified individual (Sanaullah Ghafari), and report the action to FIU-IND and the Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA. Also update your internal AML systems with the latest list.
Where can we find the complete updated sanctions list?
The full updated lists for ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida, and Taliban are available on the UN Security Council website at www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list and for Taliban at www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials.