Swedish security police failed to probe alleged al-Qaida financier Mohamed al-Amoudi
Swedish Säkerhetspolisen did not open an investigation into Mohamed al-Amoudi despite US and European probes into his suspected al-Qaida financing.
In late 2021, US and European agencies started scrutinising Saudi-born businessman Mohamed al-Amoudi for alleged financial support to al-Qaida. Although several foreign investigations were launched, Sweden’s security service, Säkerhetspolisen, did not open a parallel probe, despite the September 11 attacks prompting broader inquiries. An investigative program interviewed about fifty officials and found no evidence of a Swedish case.
A confidential document later identified al-Amoudi as a conduit for funds, citing specific company names and account numbers used to channel money to Osama bin Ladin. Al-Amoudi denied any knowledge or involvement, stating he never approved or participated in over-billing or money redirection from the Al-Salamah project. His press office reiterated that he has never intentionally financed terrorism.
Why it matters
The lapse raises concerns about Sweden's ability to detect and prevent terror financing.
In this story
