Written by: Saleem Pakteen
The actions and operations of ISIS are not based on any established legal framework but are self-imposed and arbitrary. The group engages in various activities solely for its own comprehensive benefits, without any foundational legitimacy to justify them. ISIS operates as an absolute authority with no accountability.
To generate revenue, ISIS resorts to numerous illegal, inhumane, and unethical means. They pursue any avenue that promises financial gain, regardless of its legality or morality.
One such nefarious method involves the kidnapping of individuals, followed by demands for ransom in exchange for their freedom.
In areas where ISIS operates, its members abduct individuals from wealthy families, or from families of certain religious and sectarian groups. They also target journalists, international diplomats, and other prominent figures. After kidnapping these individuals, they are held in secret locations. ISIS then contacts the families or organizations secretly and demands large sums of money for their release.
According to the book entitled “Islamic State: The Digital Caliphate”, it is reported that in 2014, ISIS generated an estimated 20 million dollars through kidnappings of individuals.
(Source: Book by Abdel Bari Atwan, 2016, p. 45)
Reports suggest that ISIS is involved in global kidnapping operations. In regions under its control, ISIS has established specialized training centers where individuals are trained in the methods of kidnapping. Instructors at these centers teach students modern, technological methods for executing kidnappings.
These trained individuals then become part of ISIS’s network and aim to carry out major kidnappings to generate significant revenue for the group.
Another objective of these kidnappings is to create insecurity in the region, forcing residents, especially the wealthy, to flee. As the wealthy relocate, the local economy suffers a negative impact. Over time, these areas become depopulated, making it easier for ISIS to take control.
In regions where ISIS has not yet established a presence, they send their members to form alliances with local kidnappers and criminals. By supporting these local groups, ISIS slowly establishes a foothold in the area, eventually turning it into an ISIS stronghold.
Through this strategy, ISIS benefits in several ways. Firstly, by coordinating with local criminals, they can easily infiltrate new areas. Secondly, they increase their financial base through ransom payments from kidnappings, thus strengthening their group’s resources.
