Doubts over extent of Qatari judiciary’s leniency toward terrorist financing

Several reports have suggested the involvement of figures and officials in Doha in the collection and financing of extremist groups abroad through hidden methods used by Qatar.

Several sources from the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance and the Senate Finance Committee that several terrorist financiers currently under US and UN sanctions are still enjoying impunity in Qatar.

Many questions then arise on the flexibility Qatari jurisdiction, and whether it is lenient in fund-raising and financing banned extremist groups abroad.

A US State department country reports on Terrorism in 2015 confirmed that “entities and individuals within Qatar continue to serve as a source of financial support for terrorist and violent extremist groups, particularly regional al-Qaeda affiliates such as the Nusra Front”.

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Several sources in both the US congress and other western nations have chided how Qatari judiciary is lenient when it comes to financing of extremists from individuals in Doha.

Among the most prominent methods used by terror financiers with Qatari support are those associated with ransom payments, many of which are simply arranged operations to obtain the funds, especially when it comes to kidnappings by extremist group Nusra Front.

Several extremist groups also rely on Qatar’s logistical support more than financing, especially through media channels which airs their propaganda and views. Groups like al-Qaeda, ISIS, the Muslim Brotherhood, Houthi militias, among others, have gained exposure through media channels supported, both directly and indirectly, by Qatar.