Canada adds four groups to national terrorist list, cites online radicalisation threat

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on Wednesday announced the designation of 764, Maniac Murder Cult, Terrorgram Collective, and Islamic State–Mozambique, an affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Under the Criminal Code, the listings formally classify the groups as terrorist organisations, enabling law enforcement and intelligence agencies to freeze property, restrict financial dealings and use additional authorities to prevent or disrupt suspected terrorist activity.

Canadians and anyone in Canada are prohibited from knowingly handling property or providing financial services for the benefit of a listed group.

The designations also inform immigration and border-related admissibility decisions.

Officials said 764, Maniac Murder Cult and Terrorgram Collective operate as transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist networks that leverage social media and online gaming platforms to recruit individuals, spread extremist propaganda and promote violence.

Canada is the first country to designate 764 as a terrorist entity.

Islamic State–Mozambique, described by the government as an armed ISIS branch, is active in Mozambique and seeks to impose Sharia-based governance through territorial seizures, infiltration of civilian populations and security forces, and violent attacks.

The government said the listings aim to bolster national security and protect vulnerable populations from extremism and terrorism.

“The threat posed by ideologically motivated violent extremism, whether it is in the real world or online, is extremely serious," Anandasangaree said in a statement.

"The groups we have just listed prey upon people who are at risk, especially our youth, and they must be stopped. By listing these groups, we have more powerful and effective tools to take action and thwa