Prostitution as a Possible Funding Mechanism for Terrorism

摘要

An essential component of defeating terrorists is targeting their financing and fundraising mechanisms. Successfully targeting terrorist financing may disrupt an organization's existence, prevent an attack, or reduce the harm produced by an attack. As a result of these efforts, al Qaeda faces financial challenges they have not experienced in a decade. Whether in response to these efforts, or as a deliberate strategic shift, terrorist organizations have become extremely adaptive and creative in adjusting their fundraising efforts, including turning to criminal enterprises. While there is still debate as to the level of cooperation that exists between criminal and terrorist organizations, it is generally agreed that terrorist organizations and their affiliates are increasingly relying on criminal enterprises to fund their operations. This thesis will examine whether it is logical and reasonable to conclude that a highly adaptable terrorist organization would fund its operations using prostitution. Prostitution is a highly profitable business requiring no specialized skill set and very little cost to enter. The business opportunities are unlimited, and it is a business that law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts do not consider a serious crime, but rather a harmless vice voluntarily entered into by all parties. If indeed this is a reasonable and logical conclusion, then reducing prostitution should be a part of our policy. Several alternative solutions for reducing the levels of prostitution are presented, ultimately leading to a systems policy approach. A failure to seriously consider prostitution as a funding mechanism for terrorist organizations demonstrates a potentially fatal lack of imagination.