Description

Amendment to UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List regarding Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani), updating personal details and passport information as of October 16, 2025.

Summary

The Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida has amended one entry on its sanctions list on October 16, 2025. The amendment updates information for Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani), leader of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant. Market participants must update their sanctions screening databases to comply with Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Key Points

  • Amendment to sanctions list entry QDi.317 for Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani)
  • Date of birth updated from “Between 1976 and 1980” to “29 Oct. 1982”
  • New Syrian passport number added: D00000256 (issued on 1 Feb. 2025)
  • Active location updated to “Active in Syria as at Jan. 2025” (previously Jun. 2013)
  • Previously listed alias removed: AMJAD MUZAFFAR HUSSEIN ALI AL-NAIMI
  • Subject to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo under UNSC resolution 2734 (2024)
  • Individual is leader of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant since January 2012
  • Wanted by Iraqi security forces

Regulatory Changes

This circular implements updates to the UNSC consolidated sanctions list under:

  • UNSC Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011), 2253 (2015), and 2734 (2024)
  • Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
  • Chapter VII of the UN Charter

Financial institutions and market participants must screen against the updated sanctions list to ensure compliance with mandatory assets freeze provisions.

Compliance Requirements

  • All market participants, brokers, clearing members and financial institutions must update their sanctions screening databases immediately
  • Implement enhanced due diligence for transactions involving Syrian nationals or entities
  • Screen client databases against updated INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice
  • Report any matches or suspected violations to appropriate authorities
  • Freeze any assets linked to the listed individual or associated entities
  • Maintain records of screening activities for audit purposes
  • Access updated list at: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list
  • Review UN Security Council Consolidated List: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Important Dates

  • October 16, 2025: Amendment enacted by Security Council Committee
  • October 28, 2025: NSE circular issued
  • February 1, 2025: Syrian passport D00000256 issued to listed individual
  • Immediate: Compliance required upon receipt of circular

Impact Assessment

Market Impact: Low - affects specific sanctions compliance procedures rather than broad market operations

Operational Impact: Medium - requires immediate database updates and enhanced screening protocols

Compliance Impact: High - mandatory compliance under UAPA 1967; non-compliance may result in regulatory penalties

Affected Entities: All NSE members, clearing corporations, depositories, banks, NBFCs, and other financial intermediaries must update sanctions screening systems. Particular attention required for entities dealing with Syrian counterparties or cross-border transactions.

Impact Justification

Critical compliance requirement under UAPA 1967 for financial entities to screen against updated UN sanctions list, though impact limited to specific individual