Qatar funneled hundreds of millions of dollars to al-Qaeda-linked terrorists fighting in Syria

UK’s “The Times” Newspaper revealed that a lawsuit was filed by nine Syrians at London’s High Court this week against Qatar for supporting and funding Al-Nusra Front terrorist organization.

In a report prepared by Andrew Norfolk, Chief Investigative Reporter, the newspaper said that Qatar, which is known for its key role in creating, sponsoring, funding and arming terrorists in Syria, has been accused of playing a central role in a secret money laundering operation to send hundreds of millions of dollars to Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in Syria.

The documents filed to the High Court in London say that a private office of the Gulf state’s monarch was at the heart of dubious routes by which money was transferred to an al-Qaeda affiliate, the Nusra Front.

Two Qatari banks, several charities, wealthy businessmen, leading politicians and civil servants are among the defendants in a lawsuit filed on behalf of nine Syrians for the massive damage inflicted upon them by Nusra Front, including financial losses, torture, arbitrary detention and threats of execution.

According to court papers, seen by The Times, Qatar- acting in league with the Muslim Brotherhood – concocted a conspiracy to ‘actively support and facilitate Al-Nusra Front terrorists as they fought during the war on Syria.

The money was moved using over-priced construction contracts, over-priced property purchases, and over-payments to Syria workers, it is said, according to the newspaper.

Funds were sent either directly into Syria or to banks in Turkey, where it was withdrawn and taken across the border to the terror group, the court papers stated.

Qatar National Bank, the Middle East’s largest financial institution, and Doha Bank are both accused of facilitating the transactions.

The banks ‘knew or ought to have known’ what the money was actually being used for, according to the lawsuit.  

The papers do not provide specific information about the roles each defendant is set to have played, which are expected to be included in a future filing.

Source: The Times / Mail Online

Edited by Hamda Mustafa