A man from Springfield, Virginia, was convicted on December 13 for his role in financing the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) through cryptocurrency. The 35-year-old man, named Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, had been sending money to support ISIS activities for several years. Chhipa’s actions helped fund various terrorist operations and even supported the escape of ISIS members from prison camps.
The scheme lasted from October 2019 until October 2022. During this time, Chhipa raised over $185,000, which he then sent to ISIS members in Syria. Chhipa didn’t do this alone; he worked closely with other people, including a British-born ISIS member who lived in Syria. Together, they helped ISIS members escape from prisons, supported fighters, and provided the group with the resources it needed to continue its terror activities.
How Chhipa’s Scheme Worked
Chhipa was able to collect money in different ways. He used social media accounts to raise funds, where he asked for donations and connected with people who were willing to help. Some of the donations came in through online transfers, but Chhipa also went the extra mile to gather money in person. He traveled hundreds of miles to collect donations, then converted the money into cryptocurrency.
Once he had the cryptocurrency, Chhipa sent it to Turkey, where it was smuggled into Syria to support ISIS members. This process allowed the terrorist group to access money without using traditional banking systems, which are closely monitored by authorities. The use of cryptocurrency made it harder for investigators to track the funds and the people behind the scheme.
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Chhipa’s role in the scheme was crucial to supporting ISIS, a group responsible for committing horrific acts of violence and terror. The money he sent to ISIS helped the group carry out attacks and continue its operations. The defendant’s actions were a clear violation of U.S. laws designed to prevent support for terrorist organizations.
The Court’s Decision
After a trial, a jury found Chhipa guilty of multiple charges related to his attempts to provide material support to ISIS. Specifically, he was convicted of one count of conspiracy to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as four counts of directly providing support to ISIS. These crimes carry serious penalties. Chhipa faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.
The investigation into Chhipa’s activities was led by the FBI, and prosecutors worked hard to bring him to justice. The case was handled by a team of legal experts, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys and trial attorneys from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
As the case moves forward, the judge will decide Chhipa’s final sentence. The sentencing hearing is set for May 5, 2025, and will take into account several factors, including the severity of the crimes and sentencing guidelines.
This conviction is a reminder of the serious consequences of supporting terrorist organizations. It also highlights how technology, such as cryptocurrency, can be misused for criminal purposes. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate similar cases to prevent terrorist organizations from gaining access to the resources they need to carry out their violent actions.
