ABSTRACT

The false dichotomy of terrorism and organized crime has prevented counterterrorism and policing from reaching its full potential against terrorism and organized crime alike. The key finding of this study was that the network included more non-extremists than extremists, its members balanced multiple objectives, only some of which were ideological in nature, and they were primarily bound together by a common heritage, a common language, blood relations, and a common purpose of generating funds, mostly with no direct link to violent actions. With regard to counterterrorism and policing strategies, a particular focus must be on the need for intelligence sharing and the use of all available legislative tools. Besides, a focus on prosecuting non-terrorist crime is a means to take action that will reduce the capability of a terrorist group.