Criminals with a Higher Purpose: Terrorism

You’ve heard about criminals becoming radicalized in jails and prisons to become terrorists. But, now there’s a new twist to this connection between terrorism and crime. Wannabe terrorists are now committing crimes, more than ever, in order to finance their terrorist aspirations! A newly declassified report found that about a quarter of Canadians involved in terrorist activity have criminal histories, and that they are attracted to terrorism because it can offer them violence, status and adventure. They are able to reframe their ‘criminal’ tendencies to think of themselves as having a ‘higher purpose’ - terrorism. They’re not just common thugs. Now, they’re ISIS or Al Qaeda soldiers. In this podcast, you’ll hear of the latest such example, Abdulmuti Mohamed Elmi, who was caught shoplifting, but suspected of terrorism, Ahmed Ressam, who raised cash though petty thefts and frauds to attempt to bomb Los Angeles airport, and more. You know how important it is to follow the adage: ‘If you see something, say something’. Once you hear the 'Steps People Take in Their Move Towards Extremism’, you’ll also be able to recognize someone mobilizing towards terrorism, and you can follow a new adage: 'If you see someone, say something’.