No. 141: Kidnapping for Ransom as a Source of Terrorism Funding

No. 141: Kidnapping for Ransom as a Source of Terrorism Funding

Author(s): Christian Nünlist
Editor(s): Christian Nünlist
Series: CSS Analyses in Security Policy
Issue: 141
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
Publication Year: 2013

In recent years, the number of Kidnappings for Ransom (KFR) has increased globally. Especially for Islamist terrorist groups in the Sahel, kidnapping has become a lucrative source of income. Switzerland is engaged on the frontline of the struggle to establish a consistent code of conduct in handling cases of KFR, which will also be an issue in 2014 when Switzerland will chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation (OSCE).

Graphics:

Enlarged view:
Kidnappings by Continent, 2004-2012
Enlarged view:
Spread of Al-Qaida in the Sahel
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