Misuse of German Coronavirus Aid for Terrorism Financing
According to reports, some of the financial assistance provided by the German government to compensate for coronavirus damage has been used to finance radical Islamists. Apparently, only in Berlin, 60 individuals and Islamic organizations are under investigation on suspicion of misusing this aid.
There is strong suspicion that some of the aid provided by the German government to individuals and small business owners to compensate for pandemic damages has flowed to certain Middle Eastern countries and has been used to serve radical Islamists and finance terrorism.
The newspaper “Die Welt” reported on Sunday, March 14 (Esfand 24), citing sources close to Berlin judicial authorities, that there is evidence in at least three specific cases showing that coronavirus aid has been used to finance terrorism in conflict zones in the Middle East.
According to this report, only in Berlin, 60 individuals and mosque-operating associations have been charged with fraud and misuse of government coronavirus-related aid.
It is reported that preliminary investigations have been launched in over 100 cases for these individuals regarding suspected misuse of government aid and financial support for radical Islamists.
Police and judicial authorities are investigating how and to what extent government coronavirus relief aid was received by applicants who did not meet the necessary conditions.
Officials investigating these cases believe that the perpetrators have acted like organized crime gangs.
Radical Salafi Associations and Coronavirus Aid
Furthermore, it is said that a radical anti-Semitic Salafi association called “Jamaat,” whose activities Berlin’s state senate recently banned, and a jihadi preacher known for promoting hatred were among the recipients of German government coronavirus aid.
There is suspicion of coronavirus subsidy misuse in these individuals as well. Anis Amri, the perpetrator of the terrorist attack on the Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin, was one of the radical Islamists who had contact with the “Jamaat” association.
According to “Die Welt,” the amount of damage in cases where preliminary investigations have begun is estimated at around one million euros. Police raids have so far seized 250,000 euros.
Officials from the state criminal police office launched extensive operations in recent months against suspected coronavirus aid misuse and conducted raids on dozens of mosques, Islamic association offices, and private residences in Berlin.
Punishment for misuse of government support aid in Germany can be up to five years imprisonment and in severe cases even up to ten years in prison. This punishment can be more severe in cases where financial support for terrorism is proven.
Source: DW
