战略与国际研究中心-Transnational-Threats-Update-January-2008_5页_183kb

Transnational Threats Update Summary (Volume 6, Number 1, January 2008)

Core Content

This issue of the Transnational Threats Update provides an overview of various transnational threats including terrorism, nuclear smuggling, money laundering, arms trafficking, terrorism financing, drug trafficking, maritime security, smuggling, and radicalism. The update highlights the evolving nature of these threats, their global reach, and the challenges faced by international and domestic authorities in countering them.

Main Topics and Key Information

Terrorism

• Al-Qaeda's Online Presence: Al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's deputy, invited questions from internet users, indicating a shift toward digital engagement. This move is seen as publicity-seeking and may increase online interest in al-Qaeda.
• Belgian Terrorist Cell: Five individuals, including Muriel Degauque (the first female Western suicide bomber in Iraq), were sentenced for their involvement in a Belgian cell linked to al-Qaeda. The group was arrested based on intercepted communications.
• U.S. Domestic Terrorist Cell: Three members of a small radical Islamic cell, JIS, pled guilty to planning attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets. The group was formed in prison and engaged in armed robberies to fund its activities.
• Spanish Terrorist Plot: 14 individuals suspected of planning attacks in Barcelona were arrested, all linked to the Pakistani-based Tablighi Jamaat, a spiritual movement with ties to jihadist groups.

Nuclear Smuggling

• A German businessman of Iranian descent was arrested for attempting to smuggle nuclear technology-relevant materials to an Iranian organization. This case underscores the growing concern over nuclear material theft, especially in the former Soviet bloc.

Money Laundering

• Mark Deli Siljander, a former U.S. Congressman, was arraigned for money laundering linked to the defunct Islamic American Relief Agency (IARA), which was designated as a terrorist organization. He is accused of funneling $130,000 to an Afghan warlord and receiving $50,000 in government aid illegally.
• Drug Cartels Use Euros: Due to the weakening U.S. dollar, Latin American drug cartels are increasingly using euros for money laundering, especially in Europe where cocaine demand is rising.

Arms Trafficking

• Real IRA Members Arrested in Lithuania: Two individuals, including Michael Campbell (brother of a Real IRA leader), were arrested for attempting to purchase weapons. The Real IRA has reactivated after a period of inactivity and is linked to past arms trafficking operations in other countries.

Terrorism Financing

• Swiss Kadi Case Dropped: Charges against Yassin Abdullah al-Kadi, an alleged al-Qaeda financier, were dropped due to lack of international cooperation and evidence. This highlights the difficulties in converting intelligence into legal action.
• Faux Muslim Charity Convicted: Three former officers of a fake Muslim charity, Care International Inc., were convicted of tax fraud and conspiracy for funneling funds to jihadist causes.

Drug Trafficking

• Thailand's Drug Trade Revival: Despite a government crackdown, drug trafficking has resurged, particularly methamphetamines in Bangkok. This is attributed to political instability in Myanmar allowing illegal drug production to increase.
• Human Rights Concerns: Critics warn of excessive use of force and extrajudicial killings in past crackdowns, which may have harmed innocent people.

Maritime Security

• Global Piracy Increase: The number of reported piracy incidents rose by 10% in 2007, particularly in Nigeria and Somalia, which accounted for over a quarter of all incidents.
• Decline in Southeast Asia: Piracy has decreased in Southeast Asia due to international cooperation, especially in the Strait of Malacca and countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Smuggling

• $200 Million Smuggling Ring: Ten defendants were charged for smuggling counterfeit goods through the Port of Newark, using bribes and falsified documents. This case illustrates the scale of economic smuggling and its potential implications for security.

Radicalism

• Islamic Neoradicalism in the Netherlands: The AIVD report highlights the rise of Islamic Neoradicalism (INR), a non-violent form of radicalism that seeks to create a parallel Islamic society based on sharia law. INR is seen as a more organized and ideological threat to democratic values.

Conclusion

The update emphasizes the complex and evolving nature of transnational threats, including the use of the internet by terrorist groups, the persistence of smuggling and money laundering networks, and the rise of non-violent radicalism. It also reflects the challenges faced by governments in gathering evidence, coordinating international efforts, and addressing both security and human rights concerns.