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A United States resident has been convicted of providing financial support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by sending a staggering sum of cryptocurrency valued at over $185,000 between 2019 and 2022.
Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, a Virginia-based individual, was found guilty by a jury and now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. The conviction follows an investigation that revealed Chhipa’s activities were aimed at supporting ISIS, including financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and providing funds to support ISIS fighters.
According to court records and evidence presented during the trial, Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media platforms, accept electronic transfers, and even travel hundreds of miles to collect cash donations. He would then convert the money into cryptocurrency and transfer it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.
It is alleged that Chhipa’s primary co-conspirator was a British-born ISIS member residing in Syria, who played a key role in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and supporting ISIS fighters. Throughout the conspiracy, Chhipa managed to send out over $185,000 worth of cryptocurrency.
This case highlights the potential risks associated with the use of cryptocurrencies in conflict zones. While digital currencies have been leveraged in the past to support humanitarian efforts or provide financial assistance to regions under heavy conflict, the Chhipa case demonstrates that they can also be used to fund terrorist organizations like ISIS.
It remains to be seen how severe a penalty Chhipa will ultimately face. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 5, 2025, where a Federal district court judge will determine an appropriate sentence under the US Sentencing guidelines.
The Department of Justice announced the conviction and provided further details about the case through a press release.
Chhipa’s actions have sparked concerns over the potential for cryptocurrency to be used as a means of funding terrorist organizations.
Source: www.crypto-news.net
