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Broadcasters uncover WhatsApp group chat used to transfer hundreds of millions in untracked cash

A joint media investigation reveals how an underground hawala network conducted cross-border payments for organized crime, human trafficking, and Islamic State militants.

Updated Aug 30, 2026 · 05:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • An investigation by the European Broadcasting Union revealed a 532-member WhatsApp group chat, "Traders of Greater Europe," used to arrange hundreds of millions of euros in untracked cash transfers worldwide.
  • The network utilized hawala money brokers to bypass standard banking oversight, funding organized crime, drug trafficking, people smuggling, and Islamic State militants in Syria.
  • The group chat was initially uncovered by a Belgian investigating magistrate following a 2024 court case that convicted six money launderers in Brussels.
  • Law enforcement officials note hawala networks operate globally, with related cases in Austria linking the system to human trafficking and severe violence.

Key facts

  • An investigation by European broadcasters including the BBC revealed that a 532-member WhatsApp group chat named "Traders of Greater Europe" was used to coordinate cross-border cash transfers totaling hundreds of millions of euros without an electronic trail.[BBC News]
  • The group chat, containing more than 82,000 messages sent between February and December 2022, was discovered on the phone of network leader Abu Adam by Belgian investigating magistrate Vincent Guerra.[BBC News]
  • Belgian authorities found the Brussels-based network sent funds to Islamic State militants in Syria to assist the wives of fighters in escaping detention camps.[BBC News]
  • A 2024 Belgian court case convicted six money launderers connected to the operation, including network leader Abu Adam and his deputy, Abu Ahmed.[BBC News]
  • The network relied on hawala, an informal money transfer system using trusted brokers to settle balances without moving funds through electronic banking networks like Swift.[BBC News]
  • Hawala is illegal in most European Union countries, but it is legal in the United Kingdom if brokers register with Revenue and Customs (HMRC).[BBC News]
  • Austrian authorities dismantled a hawala operation run out of a Vienna kebab restaurant, resulting in convictions for human trafficking, torture, and rape related to people-smuggling payments.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains unknown how many participants in the "Traders of Greater Europe" group chat were involved in illegitimate activities versus legal remittances, as reporting notes no indication that all members handled criminal funds.[BBC News]

Sources