Seven members of major Islamic State financing network convicted
Europol
Europol supported the Belgian authorities in the successful conclusion of a complex counter-terrorism investigation, targeting an international network primarily composed of individuals of Chechen origin residing in Europe. The network was found to be deeply radicalised and actively engaged in supporting and financing the activities of the so-called Islamic State terrorist organisation. During the operation, Belgian counter-terrorism units uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated infrastructure involving terrorism financing, cryptocurrency-based money laundering, and facilitation networks. The targeted network was involved in financing the release of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) detained in conflict zones such as Syria, as well as providing financial support to members of the so-called Islamic State in Syria and Central Asia.
