How does fraud support organised crime and terrorism?
In the second session of its inquiry into fraud, the Home Affairs Committee will examine what modern fraud looks like in the UK and how effective current strategies are at protecting the public from this form of crime. It will also examine the links of fraud to serious organised crime and terrorism.
Meeting details
The National Crime Agency estimates that at least 59,000 people in the UK are involved in serious and organised crime, at a cost to the nation of around £47 billion every year. Fraud is becoming a growing part of this form of crime due to the high profits it can create.
Proceeds from fraud can also be used to fund and support terrorist activity. In 2019, it was reported that £80 million was funnelled to al-Qaeda representatives in Pakistan and Afghanistan through tax fraud. Other types of fraud believed to contribute to terrorist activity include passport/immigration fraud and student loan fraud.