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TerrorismGlobal issues

Searching for Clues - Donations for Islamist Terrorism?

March 18, 2026

Islamist terrorism continues to claim numerous victims worldwide. Extremist networks are financed in part by donations from Germany. But investigations often prove to be difficult.

Bundle of 50-euro banknotes held in a hand, surrounded by scattered euro bills; representing money flow or financial transactions.
Image: BR

Money from Germany repeatedly finds its way into structures that support Islamist terror.

Image: BR

This occurs via bank transfers, donation associations, online payment services, and even cryptocurrencies. Many small amounts can add up to large sums. Such cash flows often go unnoticed because investigations in Germany - unlike in some other countries - often fail due to legal hurdles. 

Image: BR

The documentary follows the money trail from Germany to Syria. It tells the story of a young German woman who returns home after a time spent with the Islamic State terror group.

Image: BR

She provides insights into how money is collected, transferred, and used. The film reconstructs how money is collected via middlemen in Germany and Austria - including funding for Hamas.

Image: BR

At the same time, the team of authors explores why German authorities are so oblivious to this, and why investigators in other countries are apparently more successful when it comes to putting a stop to the flow of finances to extremists. 

An investigative search with exclusive discoveries and impressive interviews, this film makes clear how close the issue of terrorist financing is to our everyday lives - and that even small donations can have deadly consequences.
 

Broadcasting Hours:

DW English

WED 25.03.2026 – 01:15 UTC
WED 25.03.2026 – 04:15 UTC
THU 26.03.2026 – 09:15 UTC
THU 26.03.2026 – 14:15 UTC
THU 26.03.2026 – 21:15 UTC
FRI 27.03.2026 – 07:15 UTC
FRI 27.03.2026 – 12:15 UTC
SAT 28.03.2026 – 02:15 UTC
SUN 29.03.2026 – 08:15 UTC
MON 30.03.2026 – 10:15 UTC

Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3
Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8
London UTC +/-0 | Berlin UTC +1 | Moscow UTC +3
San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4
From March 29:
London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3

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