Dutch Arrest Minn. Somali Terror Suspect

MINNEAPOLIS - As long suspected, it's is not just young men Minnesota’s been sending back to Somalia, to die in civil war, it is apparently money as well.

Dutch authorities arrested a 43-year-old Minneapolis man, who they're not identifying. He is wanted by U.S. authorities for bankrolling the purchase of arms for Al Shabab, the Al Qaeda linked Islamic group, which now controls most of Somalia.

"I think this is the tips of the iceberg,” said Community Activist Omar Jamal. “You have someone with money purchasing arms and sending them to Al Shabab.”

Jamal says it's no surprise the money trail would lead to Amsterdam, home to one of the largest Somali populations outside of Somalia.

Loose Dutch banking laws and the illegal arms trade made it inevitable. Dutch authorities say the Minneapolis mystery man was also financing the trips of American Somalis back to their country to fight for Al Shabab.

As many as 20 Minnesota have gone missing in the last two years. Five have died. And Amsterdam is almost always on the itinerary.

Over the last couple of years, authorities have raided several Somali money stores in Minnesota, known as Hawalas. It's the way American Somalis send money back home. But what other role they may play is still unknown.

Jamal believes there's no longer any deny Minnesota’s role in politics back in Somalia, both in terms of soldiers and money.

Dutch authorities plan on holding the suspect for 60 days before he's extradited back to Minnesota.