The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has revealed that the explosives used in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and the 2022 Gorakhnath temple attack were procured online. Expressing grave concern, the FATF highlighted the growing misuse of e-commerce platforms and online payment services by terrorist organisations to facilitate their operations.
In its latest report, the FATF noted that terrorist groups are increasingly leveraging digital tools and financial technologies to raise and distribute funds. These technologies, while offering convenience, are being exploited to conduct illegal activities under the radar.
According to the report, aluminum powder, an essential component in the explosives used in the 2019 Pulwama attack, was procured through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. The Pulwama attack, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, resulted in the death of 40 CRPF personnel. In connection with the attack, 19 individuals, including seven foreign nationals, were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Authorities also seized their vehicles and hideouts during the investigation.
The FATF report also referenced the April 2022 attack on the Gorakhnath temple. The accused inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), assaulted security personnel stationed at the temple. It was discovered that he had transferred approximately Rs 6.7 lakh via PayPal on behalf of ISIS operatives. He concealed his digital footprint using various VPN services and carried out 44 international transactions. The report added that he used an Indian bank account to make payments to the VPN providers. PayPal later froze his account due to suspicious activity.
The FATF cautioned that the proliferation of online financial platforms is making it easier for terrorist groups to function. Terrorist networks are using e-commerce sites to purchase chemicals and materials needed to manufacture explosives. Moreover, they are increasingly soliciting funds through social media platforms. The use of fake identities and bogus accounts further complicates the task of monitoring and preventing these illicit transactions.
Raising further alarm, the FATF stated that it is deeply concerned about the continued direct or indirect support provided to terrorist organizations by some countries, although it did not name them. The agency has called on its member nations to tighten regulatory oversight of e-commerce platforms, VPN usage, and digital financial services.
The FATF is a global watchdog that monitors money laundering and terror financing activities. It is an intergovernmental body established in 1989 by the G7 nations to devise policies against money laundering. In 2001, its mandate was broadened to include combating terrorist financing.
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