Financial Crime World

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ISIS’s Structure and Threats: A Shifting Landscape

A Less Hierarchical Structure

After facing international pressure and losing leadership figures, ISIS has undergone a significant transformation. The group has adopted a less hierarchical structure with networked affiliate groups. This change allows ISIS to maintain its presence and influence without being directly linked to central command.

Major Threats to the United States

  • ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K): A branch of ISIS with ambitions and capabilities to conduct attacks beyond Central Asia, posing a significant threat to the United States.
  • Other affiliate groups also pose a threat, but ISIS-K is considered one of the most capable and ambitious.

Regional Presence: Expanding Operations

Despite maintaining a strong presence in the Middle East and Afghanistan, ISIS-affiliated groups in Africa play an increasingly prominent role in the group’s operations.

Strongest ISIS Affiliates in Africa

  • ISIS-West Africa: One of the strongest and most capable ISIS affiliates in Africa.
  • ISIS-Democratic Republic of Congo (ISIS-DRC): Another prominent affiliate with a significant presence in the region.
  • ISIS-Somalia: A key affiliate group operating in Somalia.

Financial Situation: Under Pressure

Sustained international pressure has resulted in a decline in revenue and access to cash reserves, estimated at around $25 million. This financial strain is further exacerbated by the targeting of financial facilitators like Bilal al-Sudani, creating significant challenges for the group.

Impact on ISIS’s Finances

  • Reports indicate that ISIS core’s revenue may be declining, resulting in occasional skipped payments for fighters and their families.
  • The decline in revenue has also led to a reduction in the group’s ability to fund its operations.

Illicit Activities: A Significant Source of Income

ISIS generates significant income through various illicit activities, including:

Major Sources of Revenue

  • Kidnapping for Ransom: ISIS uses kidnapping as a means to generate income and gain leverage over local populations.
  • Extortion of Local Businesses and Financial Institutions: The group also extorts money from local businesses and financial institutions, further increasing its revenue.
  • Other illicit activities, such as smuggling and theft, also contribute to ISIS’s financial capabilities.