Terror groups using Covid-19 to reinforce influence: Interpol

The impact of Covid19 on global terrorism, trends and potential risks related to attacks on vulnerable targets and bioterrorism is the focus of the new report issued by Interpol on Tuesday.

New Delhi:The international police organisation (INTERPOL) has said that terrorist groups have been using Covid-19 pandemic to reinforce power and influence.

In a notice issued to all its 194 member countries including India, the INTERPOL has highlighted that as Covid19 cases subside in some regions and surge in others, there is a critical need to monitor the reaction and response by terrorist networks, violent extremist groups, and other potentially dangerous NSAs.

The impact of Covid19 on global terrorism, trends and potential risks related to attacks on vulnerable targets and bioterrorism is the focus of the new report issued by INTERPOL on Tuesday.

The notice said that the assessment, which is for law enforcement only, takes into consideration five main threat factors including Covid19 outbreak characteristics and medical advances, global or national response, social climate, resilience of the security apparatus and strategies and capabilities of terrorists and other non-state actors (NSAs).

"Early in the pandemic, certain terrorist groups and other NSAs used the pandemic to reinforce their power and influence, particularly among local populations, or to expand their external financial resources," the report said.

It also highlighted that the impact of Covid19 on the global economy is likely to indirectly affect available funding or terrorist organisations.

"Our terrorism assessment report is another tool to help law enforcement identify and address these evolving threats," said Jurgen Stock, INTERPOL secretary-general.

The notice said that the presence of far-right supporters in anti-Covid19 activities in a growing number of western countries illustrates attempts to use the pandemic to exploit divisions.

"Law enforcement will continue to face attempts by far-right violent extremists to radicalise social movements, such as clashing with far-left groups and or provoking the use of force," the notice said.

INTERPOL has asked the member countries to exchange and cross-check information related to individuals and groups using Covid19 conspiracy theories to call and plan for violent acts.

"Coordinated and consistent use of INTERPOL notices remain key to anticipate threats resulting from the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic," the notice said.

The INTERPOL report also underscores how the recurring reinstatement of restrictive measures is likely to sustain a degree of civil unrest as well as impact on the choice of timing and targets for terrorist acts.

Earlier this month, INTERPOL has issued an orange notice outlining the potential criminal activity in relation to the falsification, theft and illegal advertising of Covid19 and flu vaccines, with the pandemic having already triggered unprecedented opportunistic and predatory criminal behaviour.