Islamic terrorist alert: ISIS using fake passports to come to the EU

2.2.2022

Question for written answer  E-000427/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Stefania Zambelli (ID), Silvia Sardone (ID), Marco Zanni (ID), Susanna Ceccardi (ID), Anna Bonfrisco (ID), Antonio Maria Rinaldi (ID), Mara Bizzotto (ID), Gianna Gancia (ID), Simona Baldassarre (ID), Angelo Ciocca (ID), Paolo Borchia (ID), Marco Campomenosi (ID), Elena Lizzi (ID)

According to a recent investigation conducted by The Guardian, several ISIS militants have been using fake passports to travel from Syria to the UK, EU, US and Canada.

This shows that the threat of terrorism is far from over. The end of the Islamic caliphate and death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made it appear as though the problem was behind us. But, on the contrary, ISIS is now reorganising and the number of foreign fighters who made their way to Europe using fake passports is not insignificant.

The Guardian reports that Turkey has become the hub for this activity. One of the networks selling the documents is run by an Uzbek living in Turkey; for thousands of dollars, he sells high-quality fake passports from various countries. The newspaper estimates that at least 10 people have crossed the Syrian border into Turkey to depart illegally through Istanbul airport.

In light of the above, what measures is the Commission taking to prevent and combat this serious phenomenon endangering the entire EU and all of its citizens?

Supporter[1]

• [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Gianantonio Da Re (ID)