MOSCOW, 18 February (BelTA) – The channels used to finance terrorism have undergone a digital transformation. The statement was made by Head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center Andrei Novikov at a conference of chiefs of the antiterrorism centers of the Commonwealth of Independent States member states on 18 February, BelTA has learned.
The official said: “We can clearly see the most important transformation now: while the nature and genesis of terrorism remain unchanged, the practice of its implementation has acquired a brand new quality. A new level of technological solutions has become available. The mechanisms and channels used to finance terrorism have undergone a digital transformation. Since terrorists use revenues from online casinos, money stolen via fake online shops and fraudulent websites, money earned by phishing and pharming attacks, unauthorized access to bank resources and cryptocurrency exchanges, the vector of the fight against terrorism financing is moving into the virtual environment.”
Andrei Novikov added that terrorists now use modern robot technologies, primarily unmanned aerial vehicles. “We cannot ignore massive changes at the operational and tactical level of international terrorist organizations,” the official said. In his words, many CIS member states have started drafting legislation to regulate the use of drones, primarily in crowded places and near critical installations.
The current conference of chiefs of the antiterrorism centers of the Commonwealth of Independent States member states is the 13th one on record. It is dedicated to current challenges and threats, cutting-edge experience and solutions in counterterrorism cooperation within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The conference is scheduled for 18-19 February. It has been organized as part of the work to fulfill the ongoing program on cooperation of the CIS member states in fighting terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism. Taking part in the conference are delegations of government security bodies and special services of the CIS member states, representatives of charter bodies and industry-wise cooperation bodies of the CIS member states, representatives of international organizations involved in fight against terrorism. A plenary session of the scientific advisory board under the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center will take place on 19 February to discuss ways to counteract the use of robot technologies for terrorist purposes.
