The European Union’s regulation enforcement company issued its newest report on developments in terrorism on Tuesday and revealed the PKK terrorist group has maintained its “significant presence” throughout the EU.
The report says the group engaged in political advocacy, fundraising, recruitment and propaganda dissemination.
The PKK, which has killed 1000’s of individuals for the reason that Eighties throughout Türkiye, is designated as a terrorist group by the EU, though its supporters loved free rein on the continent to the chagrin of Ankara.
The Europol report stated that in 2024, the group continued to leverage its networks to maintain operations and affect the Kurdish diaspora. The PKK claims to battle for a self-styled Kurdish state in southeastern Türkiye.
The report notes that the group blended authorized and unlawful strategies for monetary and recruitment efforts. “The PKK operates through various front organizations and advocacy groups across Europe, lobbying for political recognition and the removal of its terrorist designation. Kurdish Democratic Centres (CDKs) serve as key hubs for PKK activities, organizing demonstrations, cultural events and conferences to promote its political struggle, while simultaneously facilitating recruitment and ideological indoctrination,” the report stated.
The PKK these days seems engaged within the terror-free Türkiye initiative launched by Devlet Bahçeli, an ally of the Turkish authorities. Last May, the group introduced it will heed the decision of its jailed chief Abdullah Öcalan and dissolve itself. The dissolution will largely contain terrorists hiding in Iraq, particularly senior management. However, the way forward for the PKK’s Syria wing, YPG, and its supporters in Europe stays unclear for now, as the previous didn’t brazenly reply to the dissolution declaration.
The Europol report says PKK recruits bear coaching in Europe earlier than their switch to “military camps” in northern Syria, the place the YPG is lively, and in Iraq. “Fundraising remained a cornerstone of the PKK’s operations in Europe, through voluntary and coerced donations, membership fees and fundraising events. The annual “Kampanya” donation generates substantial revenue, with estimates indicating that the PKK raises over 30 million euros ($34.77 million) across Europe each year. These funds support media operations, logistical infrastructure and armed activities,” the report stated.
According to the report, the PKK additionally continued to have interaction in illicit monetary practices reminiscent of cash laundering, extortion and fraud.
“Business owners within Kurdish communities are often pressured into contributing financial support, while underground gambling networks and fraudulent humanitarian donations further supplement PKK finances. The PKK’s extensive propaganda network to maintain support and mobilize its base also continued throughout 2024. Kurdish-language media outlets, social media platforms and print publications serve as key tools in disseminating PKK ideology,” the report concluded.
Source: www.dailysabah.com