Political Terrorism

Sample Solution

   

Terrorism financing is the act of providing financial support to terrorist organizations. This can be done through a variety of means, including cash donations, wire transfers, and money laundering. Terrorist groups use this money to fund their operations, which may include attacks on civilians, the purchase of weapons, and the training of new recruits.

Full Answer Section

    The most popular means for terrorist groups to raise and transmit funds in the United States are charitable and nongovernmental organizations. Some charities have been abused by terrorists, who have redirected money meant for humanitarian purposes to terrorism. For example, Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, used the Holy Land Foundation, a US charity organization, to fund its terrorist activities. The Case of the Hamoud Brothers Mohamad Youssef Hammoud and Chawki Hammoud were two brothers who lived in North Carolina and raised millions of dollars for Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. The Hamoud brothers operated a network of charities and businesses that they used to raise money for Hezbollah. They also used a variety of means to launder money, including wire transfers, cash deposits, and the purchase of real estate. The Hamoud brothers were arrested in 2001 and charged with terrorism financing. They were convicted in 2003 and sentenced to long prison terms. Mohamad Youssef Hammoud was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and Chawki Hammoud was sentenced to 15 years in prison. How the Hamoud Brothers Raised So Much Money The Hamoud brothers were able to raise so much money because they were able to exploit the generosity of American Muslims. They did this by posing as legitimate charities and businesses. They also used their personal connections to raise money from wealthy Muslim donors. The Hamoud brothers also used a variety of means to launder money. They wired money to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and other countries. They also deposited cash into bank accounts in the United States and other countries. Additionally, they purchased real estate in the United States and other countries. Laws That Were Broken The Hamoud brothers broke a number of laws, including:

• Conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization
• Providing material support to a terrorist organization
• Money laundering
• Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Hezbollah Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. It was founded in 1982 by a group of Lebanese Shia Muslims during the Lebanese Civil War. Hezbollah is closely allied with Iran and Syria. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and other countries. Hezbollah has been involved in a number of terrorist attacks, including the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, and the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. What Might Hezbollah Have Used the Money For? Hezbollah might have used the money raised by the Hamoud brothers for a variety of purposes, including:

• Funding its military operations
• Purchasing weapons
• Training new recruits
• Funding its social and political activities
• Supporting its allies in the region

Other Ways That Hezbollah Receives Funding Hezbollah receives funding from a variety of sources, including:

• Iran
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Diaspora communities
• Criminal activities

Conclusion The case of the Hamoud brothers illustrates the ways in which terrorist groups can exploit the generosity of Americans to raise money. It also shows how terrorist groups can use a variety of means to launder money. The United States government has taken a number of steps to combat terrorism financing. These steps include:

• Enacting laws that make it illegal to provide material support to terrorist organizations
• Freezing the assets of terrorist organizations
• Working with other countries to combat terrorism financing

However, more needs to be done to combat terrorism financing. The United States government and other countries need to continue to work together to track down and disrupt the financial networks of terrorist groups.