Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Opening Sentence: Define organized crime and its key characteristics (structured, coordinated, profit-driven). Fact: Organized crime involves structured networks that ...
Model Answer Introduction Terror funding in India poses a significant threat to national security, involving both domestic and foreign sources that support terrorist activities through various channels such as hawala, NGOs, and counterfeit currency. Recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
Terror funding in India poses a significant threat to national security, involving both domestic and foreign sources that support terrorist activities through various channels such as hawala, NGOs, and counterfeit currency. Recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have highlighted the severity of this issue, with arrests made in Kerala for hawala dealings worth ₹300 crore linked to terror financing. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered 105 cases related to terror funding, resulting in 796 arrests and 100 convictions [1].
Major Sources of Terror Funding in India
- Hawala Transactions: This informal money transfer system is favored by terrorist organizations for its secrecy. For example, hawala networks were instrumental in funding the 1993 Bombay bombings.
- Drug Trafficking: The Golden Crescent region is notorious for opium production, with proceeds from drug trafficking significantly funding extremist groups like the Taliban.
- Fake Currency: Counterfeit currency destabilizes the economy and is used to finance terrorism. The NIA has uncovered operations where fake notes were printed abroad and smuggled into India.
- Cybercrime: Extremist groups utilize online methods, including ransomware and identity theft, to generate funds. Investigations into the 2016 Uri attack revealed digital transactions used to finance the assailants.
- Charities and NGOs: Organizations like Jamaat-ud-Dawa disguise themselves as charitable entities to attract donations, which are often redirected to militant activities.
- Kidnapping and Extortion: Groups like the Indian Mujahideen engage in kidnapping for ransom, targeting high-profile individuals to finance their operations.
- Crowdfunding and Online Donations: Extremist groups exploit the internet’s anonymity for fundraising, soliciting donations under false pretenses.
- Local Taxes: In areas controlled by groups like the Naxals, a form of “revolutionary tax” is imposed on businesses, funding insurgent activities.
- Foreign Funding: External support, such as alleged involvement from Pakistan’s ISI in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, bolsters extremist activities in India.
Efforts to Curtail These Sources
India has implemented several measures to combat terror financing:
- Strong Legal Framework: Laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) empower authorities to prosecute and confiscate assets linked to terror financing.
- Comprehensive Monitoring Framework: Institutions like the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the NIA monitor and act against terror funding, coordinating with various agencies for compliance.
- Actionable Intelligence Sharing: Enhanced intelligence sharing with other countries through platforms like the FATF and SAARC strengthens the fight against terror financing.
- Property Confiscation: Provisions under laws like UAPA allow for the confiscation of properties linked to terror financing.
- Prevent Misuse of Legal Entities: Regulations require NGOs and trusts to register and disclose their funding sources to prevent misuse.
- International Cooperation: India has signed agreements with several countries to exchange information on terror funding cases.
No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference
The ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ Conference, hosted by India in November 2022, aimed to foster global collaboration against terror financing. Key objectives included:
- Global Collaboration: Bringing together 78 countries to discuss collective strategies against terror financing, emphasizing the importance of FATF guidelines.
- Policy Harmonization: Synchronizing anti-terror financing policies across nations to create a unified front.
- Capacity Building: Equipping countries, especially developing economies, with tools and knowledge to combat terror financing.
- Transparency and Information Sharing: Improving financial system transparency and fostering international cooperation to trace illicit funds.
Conclusion
Combating terror financing is a global imperative. Initiatives like the NMFT Conference represent significant steps toward pooling resources and knowledge to disrupt the financial lifelines of terrorist organizations, ultimately enhancing national and international security.
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Model Answer Introduction Organized crime refers to well-structured, systematic criminal activities conducted by groups for substantial illegal profits. These activities encompass a wide range of illicit operations, often spanning multiple jurisdictions and countries. Types of Organized Crime Drug TRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Organized crime refers to well-structured, systematic criminal activities conducted by groups for substantial illegal profits. These activities encompass a wide range of illicit operations, often spanning multiple jurisdictions and countries.
Types of Organized Crime
Drug Trafficking:
The production, smuggling, and distribution of illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine generate vast profits.
Human Trafficking:
The illicit trade of humans for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or organ harvesting is another major organized crime activity.
Arms Trafficking:
Illegal trade in firearms, ammunition, and military-grade weapons fuels conflicts and criminal activities.
Money Laundering:
This involves concealing illegal proceeds to make them appear legitimate through complex financial transactions.
Cybercrime:
Crimes committed using digital systems, such as hacking, identity theft, and financial fraud, fall under this category.
Linkages Between Terrorists and Organized Crime:
Resource Sharing:
Terrorists often fund their operations through organized crime, such as the Taliban’s reliance on drug trafficking for financial support.
Logistics Support:
Terrorists use criminal networks for logistics, like smuggling routes. For instance, ISIS has exploited human trafficking networks.
Recruitment Pool:
Criminal groups sometimes serve as recruitment pools for terrorist organizations. For example, European gang members have joined ISIS.
Mutual Profiteering:
Both groups may benefit financially from collaborating, as seen in Boko Haram’s cooperation with ivory traffickers.
Conclusion
The nexus between organized crime and terrorism presents grave national and global security threats. Tackling this requires international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
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