'Jihad is being paid for by Europe', says Al Qaeda leaders The Foreign Office is warning that ransom payments made to kidnappers are directly fuelling terrorism in Mali and Yemen. Despite a commitment from western governments not to pay ransoms, senior officials believe the problem is getting worse. It's thought the French government paid 12 million pounds to free hostages held by Al Qaeda in Niger in October. Frank Gardner reports. Sahara kidnappings: A massive money-making business Kidnap ransoms 'fuelling terrorism' - UK Foreign Office