Response Of The United States Government Agencies And Financial Sector To Terrorist Financing And Money Laundering

Throughout the past decade, the concern of terrorism has been brought to the forefront of governments across the globe. In order to achieve the planned objectives, regardless of whether the threat is a sole, domestic "lone wolf" or a sophisticated, transnational organization such as al Qaeda, the individual or group will require funding and/or financial assistance. According to the 9/11 Commission, al Qaeda issued hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hijackers, prior to the attacks of 2001, for travel between the Middle East, Europe, and the targeted United States. The entire operation totaled approximately $400,000 to $500,000, with a majority funneling throughout US bank accounts by the hijackers (9/11 Commission, 2004). September 11th 2001 undoubtedly has changed the United States, including the financial and governmental sectors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the funding strategies of Islamic terrorist organizations and the impact on the United States government and financial sectors. Multiple financing strategies have been reviewed throughout this study, followed by analysis of the strategies and countermeasures taken by the United States government and financial industry. Recommendations have also been made to potentially assist or improve the current countermeasures in place.