dutch probe financing of terror groups
dutch probe financing of terror groups
AMSTERDAM: Dutch authorities have launched an investigation into the financing of suspected terrorist organisations in the Netherlands.
The probe by the Financial Expertise Centre (FEC), a body grouping officials from Dutch intelligence and the financial markets watchdog, follows a study launched in February into the risks of non-profit groups financing terrorism.
The new investigation focuses on the financial affairs of charities with a religious background, Dutch daily De Volksrant reported, adding that the accounts of three Islamic foundations suspected of having financed terrorism had been blocked.
A spokesman for the FEC — which also includes prosecutors, police and officials from the central bank — confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation had been launched but declined to comment on other details reported in the Dutch media.
The murder earlier this month of Theo van Gogh, who directed a film about violence against Muslim women, has heightened ethnic tension in the Netherlands and led to a series of tit-for-tat arson attacks against mosques and churches.
Dutch authorities are holding seven suspected Muslim militants in connection with the killing and have detained a further six on suspicion of belonging to a radical group.
De Volkskrant said some 3,500 religious organisations, both Muslim and Christian, about 12,000 foundations, some 2,500 other organisations and almost 100 church communities could be targeted under the investigation.
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