Process against Chechens: Millions of donations for IS in Vienna!

Process against Chechens: Millions of donations for IS in Vienna!

This day, July 15, 2025, an important trial against the 33-year-old Chechens Yusup M. will continue at the Vienna Regional Court. He is accused of playing a crucial role in the collection of donations for the "Islamic State" (IS). The sum generated by its activities amounts to several million euros, specifically at $ 73.5 million (62.77 million euros), which were mainly collected over a channel. In addition, several $ 100,000 was acquired over a second channel. These well-organized donations should serve to support IS fighters as well as their families in Syria and Iraq, including the free purchase campaigns of IS supporters.

yusup M. has lived in Austria since 2015 and worked as a supplier until he was arrested on July 25, 2024. He began his donation activities as an individual in 2018 and joined the "Jamaat" group in 2022, which is internationally networked. In this context, he is attributed to the role of the financial chief of the donation organization. However, his defense emphasizes that he did not act as a leader or decision -maker.

The course of the process

The process results in high security precautions, including a ban on photography and film in the hall. During the first hearing, the prosecutor warned of the high risk of Europe, which results from the financial support of IS. Connections to dangerous IS fighters, including Magomed I., alias Abu Ali, who was considered IS commander, were also shown. Yusup M. is said to have guaranteed Abu Ali $ 60,000 to support his family. In addition, a payment of $ 7,000 (5,985 euros) was mentioned for the free purchase of a young Viennese from an IS camp.

yusup M. states that his payments took place at an altitude of $ 300,000 to $ 400,000, and denies the total height mentioned by the prosecutor. He admits that he has exaggerated in chats and presented himself as a "super helper", he claims that he only wants to provide humanitarian aid, especially for widows and orphans.

Background for terrorism financing

The debate about the financing of terrorism is a complex and complex matter. As the [BAFIN] (https://www.bafin.de/de/slicht/geldwaeschepravervention/terrorismus finanzierung/Terrorismus finanzierung_node.html), the risk analysis in accordance with Section 5 (1) of the Money Laundering Act (GWG) is of central importance. Contributed must identify and evaluate the risks of terrorist financing, which often does not happen in full. It is important to differentiate between legal and illegal sources of financing.

donation organizations and crowdfunding providers represent potential risks for terrorism financing. The security measures, which are mainly implemented to prevent money laundering, do not adequately protect against terrorism financing. BaFin calls for comprehensive monitoring of all business relationships and transactions to effectively recognize abnormalities in connection with terrorism financing.

The continuation of the process is scheduled for September 3, 2025, and if an indictment complaint is carried out, Yusup M. is discussed for five to 15 years. The events related to this process not only shed light on the dangers of terrorism financing, but also on the challenges that the authorities are opposite when recognizing and combating such activities.