Norwegian police believe that confessed terrorist Anders Behring Breivik generated as much as NOK 3.6 million (around USD 600,000) over the past few years by producing and selling false university diplomas over the Internet. His mother, reports newspaper VG, helped him launder the money.
Breivik has claimed his bombing of Norway’s government headquarters and massacre at a Labour Party youth camp on July 22 cost him around NOK 2.7 million. Police believe that’s excessive, and that he instead spent around NOK 300,000 to carry out his attacks that killed 77 persons. The bomb he allegedly built on his own was his biggest single expense, according to VG’s report of the police probe into Breivik’s finances.
His money came from the production and sale of the false diplomas, and was deposited in 14 different accounts at banks in seven countries. He allegedly ordered his mother to set up three accounts in her name through which the money was eventually sent to Norway, where banks are required to report foreign currency transactions to the authorities.
Breivik’s mother has denied contributing any of her own money to her son’s activities, reported VG. He lived with her, though, for a lengthy period before he moved to a farm in eastern Norway where he built his bomb.
Breivik’s trial is due to begin Monday April 16 and run for 10 weeks.
Views and News staff