Mogadishu, Somalia – The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has formally brought criminal charges against Ramadaan Caydaruus Cali at the Banadir Regional Court, accusing him of financing terrorism and engaging in money laundering activities.
According to a statement from the OAG, Cali is suspected of playing a critical role in channeling funds to terrorist groups operating in Somalia, specifically by facilitating financial transactions aimed at supporting acts of terror against the Somali people and state institutions.
The prosecution alleges that Cali used various local and international financial networks to conceal the origin and destination of the funds, violating both national counter-terrorism laws and international anti-money laundering standards. Investigators claim the funds were ultimately traced to operations linked to the al-Shabaab militant group.
“This case underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to dismantling the financial networks that sustain terrorism,” the Attorney General’s Office said in its filing. “No individual or entity involved in aiding terror will be spared from the full force of the law.”
Cali remains in custody and is expected to appear before the court in the coming days for a preliminary hearing. If convicted, he could face lengthy imprisonment under Somalia’s anti-terrorism and financial crimes statutes.
This prosecution comes amid intensified national and international cooperation to curb terrorism financing in Somalia, a country grappling with decades of conflict and extremist violence. Authorities have called on financial institutions to strengthen their oversight mechanisms to prevent exploitation by criminal networks.
The Banadir Regional Court is expected to issue a ruling on the admissibility of evidence and the timeline for trial proceedings soon.