ISIS, the Richest Terrorist Network

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) network, commonly known as ISIS, is currently the wealthiest terrorist group. The 2016 Global Terrorism Index annual report notes that this network, dominated by Sunni Arab members from Iraq and Syria, earned US$2 billion in 2015. This amount far surpasses other terrorist groups, none of which earned even US$500 million.

The 2016 Global Terrorism Index explains that ISIS's main income comes from oil smuggling, averaging US$1.3 million per day. Other ISIS income comes from businesses owned by individuals and groups within the territories they control. ISIS also receives funds from the sale of looted archaeological artifacts and ransoms for hostages.

The terrorist group with the second-largest annual income is the Taliban, with US$400 million. The main source of income for this Afghanistan-based group comes from the sale and smuggling of opium, worth almost US$200 million. The Taliban also receives funds from taxes on agricultural production and Zakat (religious tax). Al-Qaeda, meanwhile, has a different pattern. This network receives its main income from Osama bin Laden's family, which operates illegal businesses.