As part of Counter Terrorism Awareness Week, currently taking place this week, disrupting terrorist funding streams is the key focus for police activity today, on day four of National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week.
Police in West Yorkshire are working with financial institutions, private sector organisations and charities to reduce the resources available to terrorist networks and the effectiveness of their efforts to secure financial support through criminal activities and fraudulent fundraising.
This activity includes operations at airports and transport hubs to prevent the illegal transportation of funds overseas. Cash sniffer dogs are being used to help identify the movement of large volumes of cash, which may be intended for criminal or terrorist purposes.
Officers will be visiting solicitors, accountants and money bureau operators to make them aware of the methods terrorists may use to launder, move or solicit their funds. They will also be engaging with members of the public to increase their awareness of false charities and criminals who may seek to exploit them through illegitimate businesses, or the sale of counterfeit goods.
Head of the North East CTU, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Wilson, said: “Terrorists need funds to facilitate travel, training and the purchase of weapons and materials. Anything we can do to prevent them from successfully gathering, transporting or managing their funds is an important step in disrupting terrorist activities and attacks.
“Members of the public can also help by being aware of organisations or individuals who may seek to raise funds by abusing charity, or hiding behind social media appeals and illegal street collections. We know that terrorists and criminals are currently trying to exploit the public and derail genuine contributions to communities who are suffering humanitarian crises overseas.”
Michelle Russell, Director of Investigations Monitoring and Enforcement for the Charity Commission said: “We want people to give and to give with confidence to charity so that they can help those who need it. Donors should be able to make informed choices about who to give to and how – and, when asked for money, we would encourage them to ask questions to ensure that they are giving to genuine charities and that their money will be used effectively.
“Sadly, we know that there are some people out there who will abuse the name and work of charities, and have used the cover of emergency appeals to collect and use money for themselves or divert it for criminal purposes. We cannot eliminate this risk – although we clearly do not want this to happen and do not want to deter people from donating to charity; there are simple steps which the public can take to ensure that their donation goes to help those who need it.”
People wanting to support aid efforts overseas are advised to donate to registered charities, with experience of providing humanitarian assistance in high risk, insecure and dangerous environments. To ensure money reaches its intended destination they can check out their chosen charity by visiting the Charity Commission website:www.charity-commission.gov.uk, or by speaking to their local authority.
