As part of the first official awareness of counter-terrorism week, police officers across the UK are taking part in operations with the aim of preventing the flow of money to terrorist groups and criminal networks. In the last 18 months alone, officers in London have seized £2.5 million destined for terrorist and criminal groups, with an average weekly seizure of £30k to £50k.
Counter terrorism officers work at ports with the UK Border Force, the Security Services and other agencies. This has led the authorities say to improved intelligence sharing across agencies, successful prosecutions, seizures and forfeitures. Officers target terrorists and criminals alike to ensure that borders are a hostile environment for them to operate. Another official target are those who use Money Service Bureaux and transmission agents to move money out of the country to fund terrorist activity; and bogus charity collectors whose criminal activities harm the efforts of legitimate charities.
Acting Commander Terri Nicholson, Counter Terrorism Command said: “It is increasingly difficult for terrorists and those who support them to covertly move money for their cause. We need to stay one step ahead of them. By working closely with partners we can ensure that it does not get any easier. Officers across the UK are working to identify and target known routes for cash couriers and to detect any new ways of moving funds and those supporting them.
“Those who possess cash legitimately have nothing to fear. Our targets are those who exploit free movement and we aim to make this more difficult. Our success rate is improving all the time. By working in partnership with other agencies to common goals we will be more effective in securing our borders against abuse by terrorists and criminals alike.
“I would like to remind you that if you wish to donate for humanitarian aid, please do it through established organisations registered with the Charities Commission. You can find more advice at www.givewithconfidence.org.uk.”
