Australians are being warned of terrorist organisations exploiting the public's goodwill by disguising themselves as charities to solicit donations to fund terror activities.
The AFP-led Joint Threat Financing Group (JTFG) is aware terrorist actors and terrorist organisations may use the tactic of falsifying credentials to deceive vulnerable donors into sending funds offshore.
Such remittances are sent under the pretext of lawful donations however are ultimately used to fund terror-related activity.
Getting funds to, from or for a terrorist organisation is an offence under Australian law that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment. It is also an offence to finance terrorism and to finance a terrorist, with penalties of up to life imprisonment.
It is important for Australians to do their due diligence to ensure donations do not go to groups which are terrorist organisations, state sponsors of terrorism, or prohibited hate groups under the Criminal Code.
Australians must also comply with Australian sanctions laws, including by ensuring that assets including funds are not provided to persons or entities included on Australia's Consolidated List. A breach of an Australian sanctions law carries penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment for individuals, and heavy fines.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said terrorist organisations use these nefarious tactics to deceive individuals who think they are contributing to a worthy cause.
"Terrorist organisations pretending to be charities is a long-standing tactic used to con people out of their money and fund terrorist activity," Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
"These terror groups don't care how they get financial support or if they exploit the goodwill of ordinary people.
"If you are donating money, make sure it is to an established and registered charity that is running verified appeals."
Australians should review the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) charity register to check that a charity is registered, as well as to access other useful information on donations.
The ACNC's charity register shows details such as who benefits from the charity's work, where it operates, who is running it and whether it is meeting its financial reporting obligations.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) uses financial intelligence and regulation to disrupt terrorism financing.
Dr John Moss, AUSTRAC Deputy CEO Intelligence, said terrorist groups deliberately exploit charitable giving to move money under the guise of goodwill.
"AUSTRAC works closely with our partners through the JTFG to identify suspicious funds flows and stop them reaching terrorist organisations overseas," Dr Moss said.
The JTFG is an AFP-led team of financial specialists comprised of members from the AFPs Counter Terrorism portfolio and AUSTRACs National Security portfolio.
The team provides financial investigations and intelligence support, advice and training. Obtaining financial material as evidence and exploring further avenues of enquiry through examination of a person of interest's financial affairs may also be requested.
The JTFG maintains a network of organisational relationships that includes Australian-based banking and financial organisations and key contacts across government departments including Australian Border Force (ABF), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Services Australia (Centrelink); and overseas law enforcement and national security agencies.
If you suspect a charity or humanitarian group asking for donations is illegitimate, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
