COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS IN TURKEY: ASSESSING EXPOSURE TO ISLAMIC STATE, AL QAIDA, AND OTHER ARMED GROUPS IN IRAQ AND SYRIA

Published by The Camstoll Group, January 15, 2015

A review of Islamic State and al Qaida-related activity in Iraq and Syria provides insights on cities, banks, and business sectors in Turkey at greater risk of exposure to illicit commercial and financial transactions. Islamic State and other armed groups that control or profit from oil fields and oil trade in Syria and Iraq generate revenue from sales to Turkey-based consumers and middlemen, according to government and media reports. Turkey has also been identified as a transit point for foreign fighters and as a fundraising hub for relief operations that have been associated with al Qaida.