A Virginia man, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, faces decades in prison for supporting ISIS through a cryptocurrency scheme, sending over $185,000 to the terrorist organization.
A Virginia man has been convicted of providing material support to ISIS through a cryptocurrency scheme, facing a potential sentence of up to 80 years in prison. Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, was found guilty of multiple charges related to his financial activities that aided the terrorist organization.
Chhipa, originally from India, became a U.S. citizen and was arrested in May 2023. The case was investigated by the FBI, which uncovered a complex scheme involving the transfer of funds to ISIS members in Syria. The investigation revealed that Chhipa had been active in supporting the terrorist organization from at least October 2019 until October 2022.
The jury found Chhipa guilty on several counts, including:
Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, leading to a potential total of 80 years if the sentences are served consecutively.
Chhipa's financial activities included:
The funds were allegedly used to finance the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and to support ongoing terrorist activities.
Chhipa's primary co-conspirator was identified as a British-born ISIS member residing in Syria. This individual was involved in raising funds for various terrorist activities, including:
This conviction highlights the increasing use of cryptocurrency in financing terrorism. The case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and prosecuting individuals who use digital currencies to support terrorist organizations. The FBI's investigation reflects a broader effort to combat the financial networks that sustain groups like ISIS.
As the sentencing date approaches, the case of Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by domestic and international terrorism. The use of cryptocurrency in these schemes poses new challenges for authorities, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and innovative strategies in combating terrorism financing.
