Because of Jersey’s position as a leading centre for financial services, it is likely it will be targeted by terrorists looking to launder their vast wealth, according to Chris Usher, chief executive of the Jersey International Business School.
Mr Usher said that the chances of detecting the finances involved in so-called ‘lone-wolf’ attacks such as the recent one in London which killed four people were unlikely, as extremists could be extremely sophisticated and use legitimate businesses or charities in complex networks as a front for raising money for their atrocities.
The Westminster attacker, Khalid Masood, was shot dead at the scene, and despite numerous others being arrested in connection with the incident, counter-terrorism chiefs insist he acted alone. However, Sir Michael Fallon, the UK’s Defence Secretary, has said around ‘a dozen’ terror plots were foiled in Britain last year.
Next month former Met Police Service special operations detective Ross Savage, an expert in financial terrorism, will travel to Jersey to give a talk on how workers may unknowingly facilitate terrorist financing if they do not spot the signs.
The conference will include a practical risks and indicators exercise based on real-world experiences.
For more information on the event on Tuesday 23 May at the Jersey International Business School visit jerseyibs.com/CFT
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