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NFIU uncovers funding of terrorism by IPOB, bandits through sports betting, global crowdfunding
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered how the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), bandits, and other terror groups have been financing terrorist activities in Nigeria through global crowdfunding and sports betting platforms.
According to the NFIU, IPOB has been receiving funds through affiliates in 22 countries, with at least 27 entities registered under the group’s name.
Out of these registrations, seven were found in the United States, and six in the United Kingdom.
It was further revealed that over $160,000 raised by IPOB through crowdfunding was transferred to transmission, media, and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the UK.
It added that “The analysis further indicates that the group (IPOB) has several bank accounts in different countries where funds are being received from various contributors with the narrations ‘monthly dues, services and for ESN,’ among others, then later disbursed for various operations.”
Details of the development were revealed in a newsletter by the NFIU’s Counter-Financing of Terrorism Department.
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It added, “The analysis profiled the leader of the group, his addresses and mobile numbers abroad, with other 53 other individuals associated with the dissident group. The report was forwarded to law enforcement for further investigation.”
The NFIU further revealed that a betting platform simply identified as ‘XC’, filed a suspicious transaction report on a 24-year Nigerian customer from North-Central, Nigeria.
“This 24-year-old from Nigeria’s North-Central region received over N350,000 in his betting wallet, believed to be ransom money from a kidnapping,” the NFIU said.
In another case, the financial intelligence unit exposed a terrorist attempting to evade being detected; it noted that the individual made structured cash withdrawals from different Automated Teller Machines and purchased flight tickets to high-risk areas using credit cards.
The NFIU explained that whenever the individual exceeded his withdrawal limit, he would adopt alternative methods of travel.
“The terrorist then attempted suspicious transfers exceeding €1,000 to a local charity with potential links to terrorism. These transactions, along with others for luxury goods and escort services, raised red flags,” the newsletter stated
The NFIU further urged law enforcement agencies to investigate transactions by individuals linked to known terrorists or financiers; unauthorised tax collection or forced donations in terrorism-prone areas, and Bureau de Change operators facilitating transfers within suspected networks.
Other areas the unit wants security agencies to beam their searchlights are multiple cash deposits in bank accounts; Point of Sale operators receiving large deposits followed by cash withdrawals; money transfers from Nigeria to high-risk countries; recruitment of individuals to open multiple bank accounts; and financial transfers to charities linked to terrorism.
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