A contender from Britain eyeing the top spot at Interpol has drawn attention to the blending of terrorism and criminality, as extremists resort to underworld strategies to generate funds. Speaking to an audience that included Middle East diplomats in London, Stephen Kavanagh expressed concerns that terrorists are utilizing encryption and corruption to support their activities in a “new era” of transnational crime.
Kavanagh highlighted that Al Shabaab militants in Somalia rake in approximately $100 million annually through taxing the local population and collecting tolls – a figure nearly half of what the Somali government earns. He emphasized the “sophisticated and enterprising fusion” of terrorism and criminal activities, which is exacerbated by the capability of terror and criminal groups to leverage encryption to conceal their operations and launder money.
When questioned about his strategy to combat these threats, the former London counter-terrorism commander suggested that Interpol should have access to more biometric data. He also urged law enforcement to brace themselves for extremist threats from the far-right and consider the potential connections between climate change and extremism.
Kavanagh stressed the importance of prioritizing the most serious criminal offenses for inclusion in Interpol’s biometric systems while avoiding minor offenders. He emphasized the significance of predicting and pinpointing areas where Interpol’s unique capabilities, such as biometric data sharing, could make a difference in countering terrorism.
Interpol will appoint its new secretary general this year to succeed Jurgen Stock from Germany. Kavanagh is vying for the role alongside candidates from Zambia, Pakistan, and Brazil. The head of the agency, which represents 196 countries, oversees global police databases, specialized investigative teams, and red notices for wanted criminals.
Although Interpol operates on a modest budget and lacks the authority to make arrests or issue red notices independently, Kavanagh proposed a fresh perspective when dealing with crime on a global scale. He called for a shift away from outdated law enforcement models that focus primarily on reacting to incidents rather than preventing crimes proactively.
During his presentation at Britain’s Royal United Services Institute, Kavanagh advocated for a new approach that views policing as a global, preventative endeavor rather than a reactive, domestic service. He emphasized the need for a unified global response to the escalating crime epidemic, similar to approaches taken for addressing diseases, climate change, and poverty.
As Interpol’s executive director of police services, Kavanagh assured diplomats that the agency aims to foster collaboration among countries rather than seeking control. He highlighted the importance of ethical engagement with the private sector and leveraging innovative investigative technologies to enhance Interpol’s capabilities.
Despite facing challenges in the midst of conflicts in regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Africa, Kavanagh stressed the neutrality of Interpol and the importance of maintaining global cooperation. He raised concerns about Africa’s susceptibility to modern criminal tactics, with a large number of companies facing cybersecurity threats.
Kavanagh also underscored the ongoing terrorist threat in Somalia, where captured individuals may eventually be released, necessitating thorough assessment for potential continued threats. Al Shabaab, aligned with pirates along Africa’s coast, has long been a destabilizing force in Somalia, challenging its recognized government.
Looking ahead, Kavanagh emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to address deradicalization efforts and combat emerging terrorist threats worldwide. He acknowledged the rise of extreme right-wing violence globally and emphasized the need to be prepared to tackle potential connections between violent extremism and factors like climate change and the environment.
