Terrorist financing slinks into the legitimate private sector to cover its tracks

摘要

Terrorism may be an exceptional crime, but the money required to stage violent attacks on the public is - ultimately - just money. There is no special terrorist currency printed and minted for use by terror groups: these underground organisations need to source financing just like any legitimate business. And sometimes, terror groups will use legal ways to fund the most illegal and abhorrent actions. These organisations are by their nature subversive and secretive, have a flexible and informal command structure, and utilise highly motivated and resourceful people: in many ways, terror groups resemble efficient companies hustling today's bustling world of cross-border business.