Explanation
The pattern of activity that most strongly indicates an individual is a foreign terrorist fighter is a large cash advance on a credit card and purchases at travel and sporting goods websites. This is because this pattern may suggest that the individual is preparing to travel to a conflict zone and purchase equipment or supplies for terrorist activities. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, some of the indicators of foreign terrorist fighters include1:
Sudden or increased financial activity, such as cash withdrawals, transfers, or deposits, especially in large amounts or involving foreign currency or locations.
Purchases of travel-related items, such as airline tickets, passports, visas, luggage, or clothing, especially to or from high-risk destinations or transit hubs.
Purchases of items that could be used for terrorist purposes, such as weapons, explosives, chemicals, communication devices, or survival gear.
Changes in behavior, such as expressing radical views, cutting ties with family or friends, joining extremist groups, or displaying signs of emotional distress.
References:
Foreign Terrorist Fighters - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime