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Monday, March 18, 2024

Spanish Police Disrupt Criminal Organization That Financed al-Qaeda

On June 18, the Spanish National Police disrupted a criminal organization which was financing Al Qaeda terrorist militias. The complex operation was carried out in the Spanish cities of Madrid, Valencia and Toledo. Ten individuals were arrested, and 14 house and premises searches were carried out, involving more than 350 police officers. Europol supported the Spanish authorities with three experts from the European Counter Terrorism Centre and two experts equipped with mobile offices and Universal Forensic Extraction Devices to support the investigations on-the-spot. Information gathered during the operation was analyzed and exchanged in real time and immediately cross-matched against Europol’s databases.

The leaders of the organization form a family clan which committed tax fraud and money laundering crimes through the massive use of false invoices obtained by an illegal business they had been running for years. The proceeds of their illegal business were sent to Syria via the Hawala system, allowing the transfer of money without any physical transportation of cash, in order to support Al Qaeda terrorist militias in the Syrian region of Idlib. The organization is part of a huge international clandestine structure, with the aim of attacking the Western economic system as a form of terrorism.

Read more at Europol

Spanish Police Disrupt Criminal Organization That Financed al-Qaeda Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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