Woman details banking operations at Al Hol detention camp in Syria related to Islamic State charges

A woman facing charges related to Islamic State (IS) has detailed her involvement in an informal banking system established at the Al Hol detention camp in Syria. To support her children, she initially sold iced coffee but quickly transitioned to a role involving financial transactions within the camp, claiming her operations had no ties to IS.

She described how, through her connections, she facilitated the movement of funds into the camp for profit while also managing donations. Evidence presented this week highlighted extensive communications on her phone, suggesting significant financial activities. One charge against her involves alleged interactions with IS-affiliated individuals concerning financial transactions, which she denies.

The camp features an approved banking system, but many, including the accused, operated outside of it due to safety concerns. Funds can be channeled into the camp through sanctioned hawala services, and informal systems also thrive, with reports indicating that bribes could enable larger sums to enter.

Examples presented in court illustrated the woman’s banking operations, showing her requesting money from areas under rebel control to be sent to the detention facility. She utilized a fake name to facilitate these transfers.

Additionally, she was part of a cryptocurrency transfer system, coordinating with a contact in Idlib province to handle such transactions. She often communicated through messages asking for specific addresses for payment transfers, revealing a network willing to donate to support women and children in the camp.

Overall, she asserted that her financial activities were not intended to support IS but to provide aid to families in need within a tumultuous and controlled environment.