Who does this describe?

I ran a little test on the folks at work today to see if they saw the same thing I did… they did, let’s see how you do.

I am going to describe a well-known organization, try figure out who I am thinking of:

Controlled by all-powerful leaders.
Maintains power through fear and ignorance.
Members are loyal and obedient (at risk of death).
Membership for life (only way out is dead).
Rival groups within the organization fight for territory (often to the death).
Possesses its own laws and hierarchy.
Governments publicly denounce them, privately support them.
Hide financial transactions behind legitimate organizations.

Are you thinking the mafia?

I was thinking of islamists.

But the similarities are sickening.