BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The State
Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan has uncovered the financing of
terrorist organizations via cryptocurrency as a result of
operational measures against terrorism financing.


This was reported by the Press Service of the Azerbaijani
SSS.


According to the information, investigations have revealed the
organization of financing—via cryptocurrency systems—for
individuals participating in armed conflicts driven by religious
radicalism outside Azerbaijan, as well as for internationally
recognized terrorist organizations.


The information noted that substantial evidence
has been obtained regarding the sources of funds, collected under
the guise of performing various religious rites via fake
announcements on social media, and the money-transfer mechanisms
involved in the commission of terrorist financing crimes by the
individuals in question.


As a result of joint operations conducted with the special
services of other countries, members of a group involved in the
financing of international terrorism have been identified.







According to the SSS report, as a result of joint operations
with the security and special services of other states, a broad
criminal network, comprising individuals residing in various
countries and involved in financing international terrorism, has
been exposed. A total of 10 members of the group were detained
following parallel counter-terrorism operations across five
countries. Among those detained abroad, Elshan Asgarov has been
extradited to Azerbaijan.


Criminal group members Vugar Abdullayev, Jalal Hajiyev, Javid
Aliyev, Nijat Ahmadov, Nazim Aliyev, Ilkin Hasanzade, Aykhan
Huseynov, Elshan Asgarov, Fakhraddin Imanov, Nail Rasulov, and
Elgun Ismayilov have been charged in connection with a criminal
case involving offenses under Articles 214-1, 218.1, 28, and 277 of
the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (financing of terrorism;
establishment of a criminal association/organization; preparation
for an attempt on the life of a state or public figure) and other
articles; a court has ordered their detention as a preventive
measure.


Investigative and operational activities regarding the criminal
case are currently ongoing.