Financial Crime World

Domestic Violent Extremism and Illicit Activities: A Threat Assessment

Introduction

The United States faces a range of threats from domestic violent extremism (DVE), fraud, and other illicit activities. In order to effectively address these challenges, it is essential to identify the key priorities and areas of concern.

Priority 1: Domestic Violent Extremism (DVE)

  • Accessible Targets: DVEs have focused on vulnerable targets such as:
    • Civilians
    • Law enforcement personnel
    • Military personnel
    • Symbols or members of the U.S. government
    • Houses of worship
    • Retail locations
    • Mass public gatherings

Priority 2: Fraud

  • Illicit Proceeds: The crimes that generate the bulk of illicit proceeds in the United States are:
    • Fraud (bank, consumer, health care, securities and investment, and tax fraud)
    • Drug trafficking
    • Human smuggling
    • Human trafficking
    • Organized crime
    • Corruption

Priority 3: Foreign Intelligence Entities and Their Proxies

  • Illicit Financial Practices: Foreign intelligence entities and their proxies employ illicit financial practices to:
    • Fund influence campaigns
    • Facilitate espionage activity
    • Establish front companies
    • Conduct targeted investments

Priority 4: Transnational Criminal Organization Activity

  • Crime-Terror Nexus: Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating in the United States, including drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), pose significant threats due to their engagement in a wide range of illicit activities.

Priority 5: Cybercrime

  • Cyber-Enabled Crimes: Cyber-enabled crimes such as:
    • BEC (Business Email Compromise)
    • Email account compromise
    • COVID-19-related fraud schemes

Sources

The priorities outlined above are based on various government reports and assessments, including:

  • Joint Comprehensive Threat Assessment on Domestic Violent Extremism (March 1, 2021)
  • National Money Laundering Risk Assessments (December 20, 2018)
  • Department of Homeland Security’s National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin (May 14, 2021)