Swiss police arrest four suspected of funding and recruiting ISIS terrorists

Group said to have helped foreign fighters return to Switzerland

epa08689557 Police wait before intervening during the Rise up for Change week of action in front of the Swiss parliament building, the Bundeshaus, where the Swiss parliament currently holds its fall meeting, in Bern, Switzerland, 23 September 2020. The Swiss climate movement announced various actions of non-violent civil disobedience during the week.  EPA/ANTHONY ANEX
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Swiss authorities have arrested four people in a number of ISIS terror raids in connection with a network suspected of financing the group.

It is alleged the group recruited terrorists, financed their travel to Syria and helped others return from fighting for the ISIS cause. Prosecutors further allege the suspects financed the terrorist group and promoted propaganda.

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) said three homes were searched on Friday after raids in the region of Fribourg.

Those arrested include a 26-year-old Kosovan man, a 28-year-old Kosovan woman, a 29-year-old Macedonian man and a Swiss-Kosovan dual national, 34.

"The house searches and arrests are in line with the consistent policy of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland of prosecuting anyone in Switzerland who attempts to participate in jihadist-motivated terrorism or to support such terrorism by spreading propaganda," the OAG said in a statement.

"The OAG is currently conducting around 70 criminal proceedings. The cases primarily relate to suspected offences of spreading propaganda or recruiting persons for terrorist organisations, funding such organisations and the activities of jihadist-motivated travellers, including persons who have returned to Switzerland."

The operation was carried out alongside the Federal Intelligence Service and fedpol, as well as Fribourg Cantonal Police.

The suspects are also alleged to have violated Swiss law banning involvement with ISIS and related terror organisations.