The US has designated The Terrorgram Collective and three leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), countering the rising threat of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism (REMVE). This designation is made under Executive Order 13224, which targets individuals and entities involved in terrorism.
The Terrorgram Collective is identified as a transnational terrorist organization that primarily operates on the messaging platform Telegram. The group is known for promoting violent white supremacist ideologies, encouraging attacks against perceived adversaries, and disseminating instructional materials on tactics and methods for carrying out violent acts. Their activities include targeting critical infrastructure and government officials, as well as glorifying individuals who have committed acts of violence.
The group’s involvement in violent incidents has raised alarm among U.S. authorities. Notable attacks linked to Terrorgram users include a shooting outside an LGBTQI+ bar in Slovakia in October 2022, a planned attack on energy facilities in New Jersey in July 2024, and a knife attack at a mosque in Türkiye in August 2024.
In a further escalation, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged two leaders of Terrorgram in September 2024 with a 15-count indictment. The charges include soliciting hate crimes, conspiring to murder federal officials, and providing material support to terrorists.
In conjunction with the designation of the collective, the State Department has also named three individuals as leaders of The Terrorgram Collective. They are:
Ciro Daniel Amorim Ferreira: A channel administrator for Terrorgram, Ferreira is a Brazilian national currently residing in Brazil.
Noah Licul: A senior member of the group, Licul is a Croatian national living in Croatia.
Hendrik-Wahl Muller: Another channel administrator, Muller is a South African national based in South Africa.
The designation of The Terrorgram Collective and its leaders is a response to their involvement in acts of terrorism that pose a significant threat to U.S. nationals and the country’s national security, foreign policy, and economy.
The actions taken by the U.S. government aim to disrupt the group’s operations and prevent them from further exploiting the U.S. financial system. As a result of these designations, all property and interests belonging to those designated that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are now blocked.
Additionally, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the designated individuals and the collective. This move is intended to expose and isolate the group and its leaders, thereby hindering their ability to operate and recruit.
The U.S. government emphasizes that such designations are crucial for supporting law enforcement efforts and enhancing the capabilities of relevant agencies and international partners in combating terrorism. By targeting organizations like The Terrorgram Collective, the U.S. aims to mitigate the risks posed by violent extremism and protect its citizens from potential threats.
The designation of The Terrorgram Collective underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to address the challenges posed by violent white supremacism and other forms of extremism.
As the global landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. remains vigilant in its efforts to counteract the influence and activities of such groups, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and allies.
