Identity-based support networks provide financial help to extremist groups or individuals based on shared traits like religion, ethnicity, nationality or beliefs. These networks often operate within communities that share values aligned with extremist ideologies.
During the peak of the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, in Albania, Salafi-jihadists raised funds through private donations and charity collections, often appealing to ideological and religious sentiments. In 2016, three imams were convicted of terrorism related offences, having solicited alms amounting to €1 500 monthly, which were directed to support foreign fighters and war efforts in Syria.6 These funds were collected with minimal transparency and without donor identification, making it challenging to track the total contributions.7
6Benet Koleka, Albanian court jails nine for recruiting fighters for Syria, Reuters, 3 May 2016,
https://www.reuters.com/article/world/albanian-court-jails-nine-for-recruiting-fightersfor-syria-idUSKCN0XU2AB/; Special Court of
Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime, Albania, Decision no. 118, 30 November 2016, https://gjykata.gov.al/gjykata-eposacme-e-
apelit-per-korrupsionin-dhe-krimin-e-organizuar/special-court-of-appeal-for-corruption-and-organised-crime/court-cases/penal-cases/.
7Interview with a retired former senior police officer in Tirana, Albania, August 2024.