ABSTRACT
The convergence of organized crime and jihadist terrorism that took place within the broader Russian-speaking Caucasian and Central Asian diaspora in Europe can be explained as a diaspora response to the new conditions. The linkages between transnational organized crime, separatism, and jihadist terrorism resulted in the growth of parallel societal structures. Mutual support in operations took place as well, including in media exploitation. Media outreach took place in support of both terrorism and of organized crime. This chapter explains how websites were used to seed information and propaganda to the established old media, including in support of members of the organized crime and terrorist networks. The ChRI separatists sustained a tradition of connections with the Western world, while the jihadists maintained links to global jihadism. Organized crime, finally, contributed technical and logistical capability in violence, tradecraft, and the provision of explosives and weaponry.
