American man faces potential sentence of over 20 years for using cryptocurrency to fund terrorist organization ISIS with more than $180,000
A 35-year-old man from Virginia, USA, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, was found guilty by a U.S. federal court on December 13 for providing financial support to the terrorist organization ISIS using cryptocurrency. From 2019 to 2022, Chhipa raised funds through social media and converted the money into cryptocurrency to finance various illegal activities and military operations of ISIS, including assisting ISIS members in escaping from prisons in Syria.
From Fundraising to Cryptocurrency Transactions: Financial Support for ISIS Terrorist Operations
According to the U.S. federal court, between October 2019 and October 2022, Chhipa covertly raised funds through social media, using methods such as electronic payments and cash donations. He even traveled hundreds of kilometers to collect cash in person, which he then converted into cryptocurrency and sent to Turkey, subsequently directing the funds to ISIS members in Syria.
Chhipa’s main accomplice was a British-born ISIS member responsible for raising funds to support female ISIS members’ escapes, terrorist attacks, and military operations of ISIS fighters. Throughout the funding scheme, Chhipa transferred over $185,000 worth of cryptocurrency.
Multiple Convictions, Each with a Maximum Sentence of 20 Years
The U.S. federal court also ruled on December 13 that Chhipa was charged with “conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization” and “providing material assistance,” with a total of five counts found guilty, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. Chhipa is set to be sentenced on May 5, 2025, with the actual sentence determined by the federal district court judge based on sentencing guidelines and relevant statutory factors.
(International Anti-Terrorism Agency: Palestinian terrorist organizations received 3,370 bitcoins in donations over five years)
Risk Warning
Investing in cryptocurrency carries a high level of risk, with prices potentially fluctuating significantly, and you may lose your entire principal. Please assess the risks carefully.
