• United States v. Holy Land Foundation (HLF) - Selected Government Exhibits

- Akram Musa Abdallah 

- Mohamad Fouad Abdallah

- Rahmat Abdhir

- Nuradin Abdi

- Samir Abdoun

- Abdow Abdow

- Luqman Abdullah et al.

- Ahmed Omar Abu Ali

- Hassan Abu-Jihaad

- Amen Ahmed Ali et al.

- Babar Ahmad

- Attiqullah Sayed Ahmadi

- Farida Goolam Mohamed Ahmed

- Sadeq Naji Ahmed

- Syed Haris Ahmed & Ehsanul Islam Sadequee

- Syed Ahsan

- Abdurahman Alamoudi

- Hasan Saddiq Faseh Alddin

- Adarus Abdulle Ali

- Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari & Brian Anderson

- Mohammed Alkaramla

- Ali Mohammed Abboud Almosaleh

- Abdullah Alnoshan & Khalid Fadlalla

- Yehia Ali Ahmed Alomari et al.

- Ali Amirnazmi

- Ryan Anderson

- Yassin Muhiddin Aref & Mohammed Mosharref Hossain

- Sami Al-Arian

- Abdelhaleem Ashqar et al.

- Fawzi Mustapha Assi

- Hasan Ali Ayesh & William Miller

- Mohamed Junaid Babar

- Sajid Badat

- Jamal Al-Badawi & Fahd Al-Quso

- Haji Bagcho

- Dhiren Barot et al.

- Narseal Batiste et al.

- Sabri Benkahla

- Bilal Adullah Ben Benu

- Soliman Biheiri

- Moussa Bitar

- Viktor Bout

- Daniel Patrick Boyd et al.

- Yasser Khareddin Bushnaq

- Cedric Carpenter & Lamont Ranson

- Talal Chahine et al.

- Ali Asad Chandia & Mohammed Amjal Khan

- Fayez Damra

- Fawaz Damra

- Bassam Darwishahmad

- Russell Defreitas et al.

- Wessam Al-Delaema

- Saubhe Jassim Al-Dellemy

- Mohammad Amin Doudzai & Nadia Naemm

- Ghassan Elashi et al.

- Ali Khalil Elreda et al.

- Mohamad Elzahabi

- Foad Farahi

- Moneer Farhat

- Baktash Fattahi et al.

- Iyman Faris

- Michael Finton

- Adam Gadahn

- Shahrazad Mir Gholikhan

- Wagdy Mohamed Ghoneim

- Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Ghorab

- Yahya Goba et al.

- Ronald Allen Grecula

- Madhatta Haipe

- Zayead Christopher Hajaig & Rabea Hajaig

- Abdel-Jabbar Hamdan

- Amjad Mustafa Hamed

- Bassam Hisham Hamed et al.

- Muthanna al-Hanooti

- Chekri Mahmoud Harb et al.

- Syed Hashmi

- Mourad El Hamyani

- Mokhtar Haouari

- Naveed Afzal Haq

- Malik Nidal Hasan

- Kamal Said Hassan

- Marwan Othman El-Hindi et al.

- Richard David Hupper

- Mohammed Kamel Ibrahim & Sampson Lovelace Boateng

- Atef Hasan Ismail Idais

- Islamic American Relief Agency et al.

- Ayman Ismail

- Abdifatah Yusuf Isse and Salah Osman Ahmed

- Javed Iqbal & Saleh Elahwal

- Arwah Jabar

- Mohammed Mansour Jabarah

- Darrick Jackson

- Farshid Jahedi

- Kevin James et al.

- Maher Amin Jaradat

- Tariq Javid

- Abdel Baset Jawad et al.

- Ahmad & Musa Jebril

- Monzer Al Kassar et al.

- Betim Kaziu

- Hassan Saied Keshari et al.

- Abdullah Ahmed Khadr

- Lafi Khalil & Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mezer

- Muhammad Khalil

- Haji Juma Khan

- Hossein Ali Khoshnevisrad

- Jimmy Lee King

- Karim Koubriti & Ahmed Hannan

- Mahmoud Youssef Kourani

- Robert Kraaipoel et al.

- Shamsha Laiwalla

- Hemant Lakhani

- Samuel Lewis

- John Walker Lindh

- Mahmoud Maawad

- Mac Aviation Group et al.

- Daniel Maldonado

- Sam Malkandi

- Noureddine Malki

- Nabil Al-Marabh

- Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri

- Majid Al-Massari

- Abu Hamza al-Masri et al.

- Muhammad Masood

- Youssef Samir Megahed & Ahmed Abellatif Sharif Mohammed

- Tarek Mehanna

- Ahmed Merzouk

- Brano Milovanovic et al.

- Mohammed Al-Moayad & Mohammed Zayed

- Baz Mohammad

- Khan Mohammed

- Mazen Mokhtar

- Jacques Monsieur & Dara Fotouhi

- Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi

- Karim Moussaoui

- Zacarias Moussaoui

- Nasir Ali Mubarak

- Muhamed Mubayyid et al.

- Ahmed Al-Mughassil et al.

- Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammed

- Khamal Muhammad

- Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse

• United States v. Akram Musa Abdallah (Lying about HLF fundraising):

- Indictment (Added 8/23/08) Akram Musa Abdallah (a.k.a. Abu Saiaf)  of Mesa, Ariz. was charged with making false statements related to his involvement in fund-raising activities for the Holy Land Foundation for Relief & Development. According to DOJ, "Abdallah knowingly and willfully made a false material statement when he represented to FBI agents that he was not involved in fund raising activities for the Holy Land Foundation. The indictment alleges that he was involved in fund-raising activities on their behalf in the Phoenix metropolitan area between 1994 and 1997."

-  DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 8/23/08)

-  Plea Agreement (Added 5/8/09) In May 2009, Abdallah pled guilty.

-  DOJ Press Release on Guilty Plea (Added 5/8/09) 

• United States v. Mohamad Fouad Abdallah (Threatening blogger Debbie Schlussel):

- Information (Added 10/4/08) In April 2008, Mohamad Fouad Abdallah was charged in Michigan federal court for emailing threats to blogger Debbie Schlussel. Abdallah wrote: "HEY WHITE BITCH JEW.FUCK YOU.HEZBOLAAH IS AWESOME. WE WILL NEVER DIE BITCH.WERE GONNA BLOW YOU UP" (sic) and "FUCK YOU AND YOU WILL SOON BE RAPED AND WILL DIE." The threats were in response to an article Schlussel posted "about 2 Arab men."

-  Plea Agreement (Added 10/4/08) In June 2008, Abdallah pled guilty to one count of interfering with federally protected activities. In October 2008, Abdallah was sentenced to eight months in prison. In sentencing Abdallah, U.S. District Judge Marianne Battani said, "I find it abhorrent."

• United States v. Rahmat Abdhir (San Jose Jemaah Islamiyah support case):

- Indictment Rahmat Abdhir is a U.S. citizen living in San Jose, California and the brother of Zulkifli Abdhir. In September 2003, the U.S. government designated Zulkifli Abdhir as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist due to his leadership role in Jemaah Islamiyah; the U.S. government believes he played a role in several bombings in the Philippines. In August 2007, Rahmat Abdhir was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material to terrorists, contributing goods and services to a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (his brother), and false statements. As the DOJ press release states, "Zulkifli Abdhir and Rahmat Abdhir communicated with one another between the United States and Philippines, often in code to disguise the nature of their activities, as Zulkifli Abdhir engaged in battles with Philippine troops and evaded capture. Among other things, they discussed items that Zulkifli Abdhir wanted his brother to send him in the Philippines from the United States, including money and accessories for firearms, Insignia two-way radios, backpacks, and knives. According to the indictment, Rahmat Abdhir shipped requested items to his brother in the Philippines using various aliases for the sender and the recipient."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment

- Final Order re: Pre-Trial Detention A judge ordered Abdhir held pending trial. 

- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Upholding Pre-Trial Detention (Added 2/15/08) The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the pre-trial detention order in the case against Rahmat Abdhir, a U.S. citizen living in San Jose, California. Abdhir -- the brother of Specially Designated Global Terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir - was indicted in August 2007 on a number of charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. The appeals court concluded that "there is clear and convincing evidence that Abd Hir poses a grave danger to the Philippines."

• United States v. Nuradin Abdi (Columbus mall plot; material support to Al-Qaida):

- Indictment In August 2004, federal prosecutors indicted Columbus, Ohio resident Nuradin Abdi for providing material support to Al-Qaida, as well as obtaining and using fraudulent travel documents. As DOJ notes, "the indictment alleges that on April 27, 1999, Abdi applied to the Immigration and Naturalization Service - now known as the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - for a travel document, wherein he concealed his destination by representing that he intended to visit Germany and Saudi Arabia for the purpose of 'Umrah (Holly[sic] - Mecca) and visit my relative,' when he allegedly planned to travel to Ogaden, Ethiopia, for the purpose of obtaining military-style training in preparation for violent jihad. Abdi allegedly sought training in radio usage, guns, guerilla warfare and bombs."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment

- Remarks of Attorney General John Ashcroft on Indictment Ashcroft commented that "Abdi, along with admitted al Qaeda operative [Iyman] Faris and other co-conspirators, initiated a plot to blow up a Columbus area shopping mall."

- Statement of Facts This document states, "In spring of 2003, Iyman Faris, an individual subsequently convicted of a federal terrorism crime, advised agents of the FBI that an individual by the name of Nuradin planned to shoot up a shopping mall in the Columbus, Ohio area with an AK-47. Agents subsequently identified Nuradin as the defendant, Nuradin Abdi."

- Opposition of the United States to Defendant's Motions In Limine (#104) to Exclude Computer Images, Dissertation Text 'Pillar of the Preparing for Jihad," "Mall Bomb" and "Missile Plot" Statements and Physical Evidence According to this filing, photos found on Abdi's computer "depict a variety of Jihadi images, such as Usama bin Laden, with writing in the photo stating "'God is great [in the green flag depicted in the photo], We love you Usama, America digs its grave with its right hand because Usama has paralyzed its left.'"

- Government's Consolidated Responses to Defendant's Motion in Limine to Dismiss on Newly-Discovered Grounds In this document, the government argues that Abdi "attempts to transform Counts 1 and 2 from conspiracies whose objective was to provide material support and resources to terrorism and al Qaeda through a broad array of conduct into narrower conspiracies whose sole objective was to provide himself for military training in Ethiopia in order to prepare for violent jihad."

- Government's Response to Motion of Defendant to Suppress All Statements Allegedly Made by the Defendant and All Evidence Seized in Violation of the Fourth Amendment This filing provides more information on the discussions between Faris and Abdi about the mall plot. According to Faris, Abdi told him that “things were heating up and we need to do something.” When asked should be done, Abdi replied, “take an AK-47 to a mall and start shooting.” According to the document, "Faris told the FBI that he thought he had talked Mr. Abdi out of it, but had not had recent contact with Mr. Abdi."

- Government's Proposed Exhibit List (Added 7/30/08) This filing lists the exhibits DOJ planned to introduce.

- Opinion and Order This ruling denied a number of pre-trial motions filed by Abdi.

- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion This document notes that "at the same time he was meeting with Abdi, Faris was operationally active for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the so-called mastermind of the 9/11 attacks." Moreover, it reveals that the FBI discovered "telephone activity from Abdi’s phone number to approximately forty other numbers connected to FBI terrorism cases."

- Plea Agreement Abdi pled guilty to providing material support to terrorists and agreed to serve ten years in jail.

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing On November 27, 2007, Abdi was formally sentenced to ten years in prison.

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "The Columbus Mall Plot"

• United States v. Samir Abdoun (Immigration, passport, and social security fraud; met 9/11 hijackers):

- Indictment (Added 7/28/08) In February 2001, Samir Abdoun was indicted in the Southern District of California for using a false passport, using false entry documents, using false immigration identification, making a false statement in an immigration matter, and social security fraud.

- ICE Fact Sheet on Deportation (Added 7/28/08) According to ICE, "On December 31, 2004, ICE deported an Algerian man who used a false passport to enter the United States and later met with two of the 9/11 hijackers in San Diego prior to their attacks on the Pentagon. Samir Abdoun, 38, was escorted from the United States to Algeria by ICE officers. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, ICE special agents learned that Abdoun had previously met with hijackers Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Mihdhar, two of the four 'muscle' terrorists aboard American Airlines Flight 77 when it was flown into the Pentagon. ICE agents arrested Abdoun on Sept. 22, 2001, after agents identified him as a fugitive in hiding who had been ordered deported by a federal immigration judge in 1999. Abdoun told agents he had lived for a time with four San Diego men, all of whom were housemates of Hazmi and Mihdhar. One of the roommates, Mohdar Abdullah, introduced Abdoun to Hazmi and Mihdhar. These four individuals were arrested shortly after the 9/11 attacks as material witnesses in the Pentagon investigation. Border Patrol agents had initially arrested Abdoun in November 1998. The ensuing investigation revealed that Abdoun had entered the country illegally by claiming to be a French citizen and by presenting a false passport when he first arrived in Los Angeles. Abdoun was placed in removal proceedings. However, he failed to appear in court. A judge subsequently ordered Abdoun removed from the country. After he was located in September 2001, Abdoun was convicted on criminal charges related to immigration, passport, and Social Security fraud. Abdoun was sentenced July 23, 2002 to time served and three years supervised release, and then was transferred to ICE custody to be deported."

• U.S. v. Abdow Abdow (Lying to FBI; link to Somali jihad probe):

- Complaint (Added 10/19/09) According to a JTTF agent, Abdow M. Abdow, a U.S. citizen of Somali descent, lied to the FBI when questioned about renting a car and driving to Las Vegas with four other individuals. The FBI's investigation of Abdow is linked to a broader probe of approximately 20 U.S.-based individuals who traveled to Somalia to wage jihad. (See the cases of Abdifatah Yusuf Isse and Salah Osman Ahmed and Kamal Said Hassan)

- Indictment (Added 10/19/09) Abdow was indicted in October 2009 and charged with making false statements.

• U.S. v. Luqman Abdullah et al. ("Ummah" membership):

- Complaint (Added 10/30/09) Federal prosecutors in Detroit charged Luqman Abdullah and 10 others "with conspiracy to commit several federal crimes, including theft from interstate shipments, mail fraud to obtain the proceeds of arson, illegal possession and sale of firearms, and tampering with motor vehicle identification numbers." According to DOJ, "Abdullah was the leader of part of a group which calls themselves Ummah ('the brotherhood'), a group of mostly African-American converts to Islam, which seeks to establish a separate Sharia-law governed state within the United States. The Ummah is ruled by Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rapp Brown, who is serving a state sentence in USP Florence, CO, ADMAX, for the murder of two police officers in Georgia...Abdullah has espoused the use of violence against law enforcement, and has trained members of his group in use of firearms and martial arts in anticipation of some type of action against the government. Abdullah and other members of this group were known to carry firearms and other weapons." Moreover, "At one location, four suspects surrendered and were arrested without incident. Luqman Ameen Abdullah did not surrender and fired his weapon. An exchange of gun fire followed and Abdullah was killed. An FBI canine was also killed during the exchange."

- DOJ Press Release on Complaint (Added 10/30/09)

- FBI Press Release on Arrest (Added 10/30/09) The FBI announced that "Mujahid Carswell (aka Mujahid Abdullah) was taken into custody by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, without incident" on October 29, 2009.

• United States v. Ahmed Omar Abu Ali (Material support to Al-Qaida; plotted to kill President Bush):

- Indictment (Added 12/20/07)

- Superseding Indictment (Added 12/20/07) According to the superseding indictment, "Between in or around September 2002 and on or about June 9, 2003, defendant ABU ALI discussed with Coconspirator #2 and Coconspirator #4 plans to assassinate President of the United States George W. Bush. The tactics discussed for conducting the assassination included (1) an operation in which multiple snipers would shoot the President; and (2) a suicide bombing operation. Defendant ABU ALI agreed to carry out the assassination of the President."

- DOJ Press Release on Return to U.S. (Added 12/20/07) In February 2005, Abu Ali returned to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia, where he had been detained.

- Government's Position on Pretrial Detention (Added 12/20/07) According to this filing, "In joining al-Qaeda, it was the defendant’s intent to become a planner of terrorist operations like Mohammed Atta and Khalid Shaykh Muhammad, well known al-Qaeda terrorists associated with the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001."

- DOJ Press Release on Conviction (Added 12/20/07) On November 22, 2005, a jury "unanimously found Abu Ali, age 24 of Falls Church, Virginia, guilty of (1) conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (al-Qaeda); (2) providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (al-Qaeda); (3) conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists; (4) providing material support to terrorists; (5) contribution of services to al-Qaeda; (6) receipt of funds and services from al-Qaeda; (7) conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States; (8) conspiracy to commit air piracy; and (9) conspiracy to destroy aircraft." Moreover, "the evidence at trial included evidence that Abu Ali had joined an al-Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia; that he received training from members of the cell in weapons, explosives, and document forgery from an al-Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia; plotted with senior al-Qaeda operatives to personally carry out the assassination of the President; engaged in a conspiracy to hijack and destroy civilian airliners in a scheme substantially similar to the September 11, 2001, attacks; and researched nuclear power facilities in the United States at the behest of a senior al-Qaeda operative."

- Sentencing Order (Added 12/20/07)

 - Sentencing Transcript (Added 7/29/09) According to this March 29, 2006 transcript of Abu Ali's sentencing hearing, Abu Ali "was the perfect recruit to establish a clandestine sleeper cell within our midst. And he was delighted to have been welcomed into al-Qaeda." Further, "he planned to return to the United States, establish a clandestine al-Qaeda cell, probably...in the national capital area, and perpetrate deadly attacks..."

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 12/20/07) On March 29, 2006, Abu Ali was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

- Omar Abu Ali v. Ashcroft: Memorandum Opinion (Added 12/20/07) This document states, "Petitioner Ahmed Abu Ali ('Abu Ali') is a citizen of the United States who, through his parents, has filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus against several officials of the United States ('respondents' or 'United States') challenging his ongoing detention since June 2003 in a prison of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allegedly at the behest and ongoing supervision of the United States." The ruling notes that the U.S. "insists that a federal district court has no jurisdiction to consider the habeas petition of a United States citizen if he is in the hands of a foreign state, and it asks this Court to dismiss the petition forthwith." In response, the court found "that a citizen cannot be so easily separated from his constitutional rights."

- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals: Opinion (Added 6/7/08) In November 2005, Ahmed Abu Ali was convicted in Virginia on a number of charges, including providing material support to Al-Qaida, stemming from his involvement in a plot to assassinate President Bush. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Abu Ali's conviction, ruling, "we are satisfied that Abu Ali received a fair trial, though not a perfect one, and that the criminal justice system performed those functions which the Constitution envisioned for it." However, the court ordered that Abu Ali be resentenced because "the court abused its discretion when imposing the sentence," deviating from the federal sentencing guidelines that called for life imprisonment.

• United States v. Hassan Abu-Jihaad (Former U.S. Navy sailor; material support to terrorists):

- Indictment In March 2007, Abu-Jihaad was indicted on terrorism and espionage charges. Abu-Jihaad -- who served aboard the U.S.S. Benfold and held a SECRET clearance -- allegedly emailed Babar Ahmad classified information on the movements of a U.S. Navy battle group tasked with targeting Al-Qaida and discussed “the battle group’s perceived vulnerability to terrorist attack." Ahmad is a British citizen indicted in Connecticut on an array of charges, including providing material to terrorists and money laundering conspiracy. According to prosecutors, “Ahmad was the leader of a terrorist support cell in London.” He served as the webmaster of the Azzam Publications websites, which included azzam.com, azzam.co.uk, qoqaz.net, qoqaz.co.uk., webstorage.com/~azzam, and waaqiah.com." Federal prosecutors allege that Azzam Publications “was established and operated to recruit individuals to be mujahideen and to solicit and raise funds and assistance for jihad, including for the Taliban and Chechen mujahideen…”

- Department of Justice Press Release on Indictment (Added 3/5/08)

- Department of Justice Press Release on Arrest (Added 3/5/08) Abu-Jihaad was arrested on March 7, 2007 in Arizona.

- Affidavit of FBI Special Agent David Dillon According to this filing, the document Abu-Jihaad sent to Ahmad stated "that the battle group was scheduled to pass through the Straits of Hormuz on April 29, 2001, at night, under a communications blackout, and explicitly described the group’s vulnerability to a terrorist attack: 'Weakness: They have nothing to stop a small craft with RPG etc, except their Seals' stinger missiles.'"

- FBI Interviews The FBI conducted a series of interviews with Abu-Jihaad's former roommate in Arizona, Derrick Shareef, who has pled guilty to plotting an attack on an Illinois shopping mall. Shareef discussed how Abu-Jihaad radicalized him and how the two men considered attacking a U.S. military facility in California.

- Prosecution Exhibits 1-3 The prosecution released emails between Abu-Jihaad and Azzam Publications. In one email, Abu-Jihaad attempts to confirm receipt of his order for "Russian hell 2000," a jihadist video featuring Chechen attacks on Russian soldiers.

- Prosecution Exhibits 4-7 In an email to Azzam Publications, Abu-Jihaad states that he is serving a "Kuffar nation." And an individual from Azzam Publications urges Abu-Jihaad to continue his "psychological warefare [sic]."

- NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann's Expert Witness Report (Added 3/5/08) This report provides extensive information on the Azzam Publications websites. As Kohlmann writes, "between approximately the years of 1996 and 2002, Azzam Publications reigned as the undisputed top mujahideen propaganda site on the Internet, featuring jihad training manuals, interviews with Al-Qaida leaders and associates, and the stories of many fallen jihadi 'martyrs.'"

- Azzam Publications: Frequently Asked Questions (Added 3/5/08) To supplement NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann's expert witness report in the Hassan Abu-Jihaad case, the NEFA Foundation is providing a historical document that provides still further insight into Azzam Publications: a Frequently Asked Questions page from Azzam.com that answers questions such as "what is Azzam Publications?", "Who funds Azzam Publications?", and "How can I help Azzam Publications?" This document was not entered as an exhibit during trial.

- Defense Exhibits 1-6 The defense attempts to demonstrate that there is a slew of open-source information publicly available on the U.S.S. Benfold and its movements.

- Defendant's Memorandum in Opposition to the Govenment's Motion in Limine Seeking the Introduction of Certain Evidence According to this document, Abu-Jihaad and his roommate Derrick Shareef "discussed attacking a military recruiting station in Phoenix, Arizona" and "discussed the idea of attacking a military base in San Diego with a sniper-like attack."

- Defendant's Memorandum in Support to Suppress FISA-Derived Evidence Abu-Jihaad argued that evidence gathered by the government under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was illegal.

- Judge's Decision on FISA-Derived Evidence (Added 1/24/08) A judge rejected a defense motion that evidence gathered by the government under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was illegal. Federal judge Mark Kravitz asserted that the Patriot Act's balance "between an individual's important interest in privacy and the Government's legitimate need to obtain foreign intelligence information remains reasonable and one that complies with the Fourth Amendment." Kravitz also commented on a recent decision in Mayfield v. United States, noting, "it is not at all clear why the Mayfield court held FISA unconstitutional on its face."

- Department of Justice Press Release on Conviction (Added 3/5/08) A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut convicted former U.S. Navy member Hassan Abu-Jihaad for providing material support of terrorism and disclosing previously classified information relating to the national defense. As the DOJ press release notes "the evidence at trial...included court-authorized wiretap recordings, during which Abu-Jihaad used coded conversation to refer to jihad; admonished others not to speak openly about jihad over the phone or on the Internet because it was 'tapped'; and discussed having conversations with associates using a shredder and after frisking them for electronic components. The calls played for the jury also included Abu-Jihaad’s use of the terms 'hot meals' and 'cold meals' in reference to his current and former ability, respectively, to provide inside information or intelligence about potential U.S. military targets."

- Defendant's Motion for New Trial (Added 10/5/08) In March 2008, a federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut convicted former U.S. Navy member Hassan Abu-Jihaad for providing material support of terrorism and disclosing previously classified information relating to the national defense. Abu-Jihaad's attorneys have filed a motion requesting a new trial, arguing that "through the evidence introduced at trial, the Government was able to demonstrate that the Defendant had the motive and opportunity to commit the crimes charged in the indictment. However, what the Government did not prove was that he actually did commit the charged offenses." His attorneys also asserted "that the admission into evidence of graphic tapes concerning Mujahideen Fighters and deceased Matyrs [sic] severely prejudiced the jury and prevented the Defendant from receiving a fair trial."

 - Judge's Ruling Overturning Material Support Conviction (Added 3/5/09) In March 2008, a federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut convicted former U.S. Navy member Hassan Abu-Jihaad for providing material support of terrorism and disclosing previously classified information relating to the national defense. While U.S. District Judge Mark Kravitz upheld Abu-Jihaad's conviction for disclosing classified national defense information, he overturned the material support conviction. He focused on the language in the material support statute in explaining his decision: "the Government's theory of guilt...was that by disclosing national defense information to Azzam, Mr. Abu-Jihaad was, in effect, making himself available to terrorists for the purpose of killing U.S. nationals. That is, by providing information alone to Azzam - an act that was not directly prohibited by § 2339A - Mr. Abu-Jihaad provided personnel- that is, Mr. Abu-Jihaad himself - to Azzam, knowing that he or his assistance would be used to prepare for, or carry out, the killing of U.S. nationals. That theory of guilt puts a strain on the language of the statute. For if the Government's argument were accepted, an individual who provided a terrorist organization with, say, weapons - perhaps by selling them at market price - would also be deemed to have provided the organization with personnel - namely, the gun dealer himself. Of course, one can imagine situations where an individual makes both himself and others available to terrorist organizations and also provides the organizations with weapons, money, or other tangible resources. But that is not invariably the case. That is, merely providing an organization with a resource, even a prohibited resource, is not necessarily the same thing as providing personnel to prepare for or carry out the prohibited purposes of the statute through some form of coordinated or joint action. For if that were the case, then much of the definition of 'material support or resources' would be entirely redundant; providing weapons, explosives, or anything else on the list would also automatically constitute the provision of personnel as well. To be sure, context and facts matter. Yet, it is context and facts that are entirely missing in this case." 

- U.S. Government Sentencing Memorandum (Added 3/31/09) In arguing for the maximum sentence for former U.S. Navy sailor Hassan Abu-Jihaad federal prosecutors wrote, "By leaking classified information about U.S. Navy ship movements and outlining their perceived vulnerabilities to attack, Hassan Abu-Jihaad was trying to help foreign terrorists replicate the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole. It is hard to say which aspect of his crime is the most serious. Abu-Jihaad betrayed the trust his country placed in him by granting him access to classified information, when he released it to a website that advocated violent jihad against the United States. He betrayed the trust of his fellow sailors aboard the Benfold and other ships in the Constellation battle group, when he tried to expose them to an attack by ambush. And he betrayed his oath as a U.S. sailor, when he forsook the national security of the United States in favor of those who would engage in terrorist violence against the United States. Hassan Abu-Jihaad is a traitor, and he should be sentenced accordingly."

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 4/6/09) In April 2009, Abu-Jihaad received the maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison for providing classified information regarding the movements of a U.S. Navy battle group to Azzam Publications

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "The Illinois Shopping Mall Plot" As noted above, Abu-Jihaad's former roommate in Arizona, Derrick Shareef, has pled guilty to plotting an attack on an Illinois shopping mall. Abu-Jihaad played a role in his radicalization and the two men considered attacking a U.S. military facility in California.

• United States v. Amen Ahmed Ali et al. (Transmitting secret defense information; Moayad links):

- Indictment (Added 4/19/08) In September 2006, a grand jury in Fresno, California indicted Amen Ahmed Ali of Bakersfield, Mohamed Al-Rahimi of Bakersfield, and Ibrahim A. Omer of Fort Worth "on charges relating to the acquisition and transmission of secret defense information and the export of stolen and sensitive military equipment." Specifically, "the indictment alleges that on multiple occasions, between June 25, 2005 and Aug. 31, 2006, Ali received secret defense documents from a government undercover agent. He then transmitted them to the Republic of Yemen, both by fax transmission and by courier. In addition, Ali...is charged with conspiring with Ibrahim A. Omer...to ship military items to Yemen, the export of which is restricted under federal law...Ali is also charged with conspiring with Mohamed Al-Rahimi, 62, of Bakersfield, to receive stolen government property which was also sent to Yemen." Additionally, during court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that Ali possessed contact information for Mohammed al-Moayad, who was convicted in New York for providing material support to Hamas and Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 4/19/08)

- Government Filing re: FISA-Derived Evidence (Added 4/19/08) This government filing informs the court that it intends to enter "information obtained and derived from electronic surveillance conducted pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA)..."

• United States v. Farida Goolam Mohamed Ahmed (Illegally crossed border; federal watch list):

- Statement by Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Robert Bonner (Added 7/27/08) CBP Commissioner Robert Bonner stated, "at CBP, we identify potential terrorists, if not every day, almost every other day...Let me mention a couple of examples of some more recent, alert work by CBP personnel." He continued, "just two weeks ago, on July 19th, as a result of alert efforts of CBP Border Patrol Agent Luis Rocha, an individual named Farida Goolam Mohamed Ahmed was arrested at the McAllen, Texas, airport. Ahmed, originally from Pakistan, was traveling on a South African passport with several pages missing and was about to board an airplane to New York. She had traveled from Johannesburg, South Africa, to London to Mexico City, and apparently illegally crossed the border near McAllen, Texas."

- Congressman Ron Paul Press Release (Added 7/27/08) According to this press release by Congressman Ron Paul, Ahmed was on a federal watch list.

• United States v. Babar Ahmad (Azzam Publications webmaster; material support to terrorists)

- DOJ Press Release on Arrest (Added 12/20/07) In August 2004, British authorities arrested Babar Ahmad on an arrest warrant and criminal Complaint issued in Connecticut.

- Complaint (Added 12/20/07) Ahmad, a jihadist webmaster, allegedly conspired to provide material support to terrorists. According to federal prosecutors, "AHMAD, through Azzam Publications, operated a series of pro-jihad (Muslim holy war) web sites via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) located in the State of Connecticut. The two main Azzam Publications web sites were www.azzam.com, utilizing ISPs in Nevada and Connecticut, and www.qoqaz.net, which is operated from outside of the United States. Postings on the web sites described the need for Muslims to engage in violent attacks against infidels, appealed for financial support and provided instructions on how to enter Islamic war zones. The web sites also provided detailed instructions for sending money or other support to a specific official of the Taliban."

- Indictment (Added 12/20/07) The indictment charges that Ahmad "provided, and conspired to provide, material support and resources to persons engaged in acts of terrorism in Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. Specifically, AHMAD provided, through the creation and use of various internet websites, email communication, and other means, expert advice and assistance, communications equipment, military items, currency, monetary instruments, financial services and personnel designed to recruit and assist the Chechen Mujahideen and the Taliban, and raise funds for violent jihad in Afghanistan, Chechnya and other places."

- Affidavit in Support of Extradition (Added 12/20/07) This document notes that Ahmad was "in possession of a document which concerned authentic battle group plans of a U.S. naval battle-group operating in the Straits of Hormuz in April, 2001." The document was seized from AHMAD in December, 2003, by British authorities and the information thereon has been confirmed to be legitimate by U.S. Navy personnel. The document specifically describes the battle-group's vulnerability to a terrorist attack, and provides specific examples on how the ships might be attacked." The document was allegedly provided by former U.S. Navy sailor Hassan Abujihaad, who has been indicted on terrorism and espionage charges.

• United States v. Attiqulah Sayed Ahmadi (Felon in possession of firearm; immigration violations; Hekmatyar ties):

- Indictment (Added 7/28/08) In March 2002, Attiqulah Sayed Ahmadi was indicted in California for being a felon in possession of a firearm (a semi-automatic rifle and pistol).

- Superseding Indictment (Added 7/28/08) In June 2003, Attiqulah Sayed Ahmadi was also charged with unlawful procurement of citizenship.

- Government's Response and Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Suppress Fruits of Search and Seizure (Added 7/28/08) While searching Ahmadi's residence, "agents...seized a photograph which depicts Ahmadi holding the semi-automatic rifle, as well as a videotape with a date stamp of March 21, 2001, which depicts Ahmadi shooting the semi-automatic rifle in the Imperial County Desert."

- Government's Response and Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Compel Discovery and For Leave to File Further Motions (Added 7/28/08) This document details an encounter between Sheriff's deputies/U.S. Border Patrol and a group of ten men, including Ahmadi, who "were firing high powered pistols and assault rifles in an isolated area near the U.S./Mexico border" on January 30, 2000.

- Statement of Facts (Added 7/28/08) According to this filing, "agents seized Ahmadi's telephone/address book which had two telephone numbers for Gulbideen Hekmatyar, the founder of Hezb-i-Islami/Gulbuddin (HIF)." Hekmatyar is a Specially Designated Global Terrorist with alleged ties to Al-Qaida. Further, agents "found literature and newspapers in Ahmadi's garage regarding Hekmatyar, which included the newspaper Shahadat (martyrdom), the official paper of HIF. In Ahmadi's taxi cab, agents found a photo album which depicts Ahmadi, at an unknown age, aiming a RPG...and a larger anti-tank bazooka. Several of these photographs appear to be taken in Afghanistan in or about 1987 (during the two-year period in which Ahmadi claimed he was traveling to Pakistan to get married) and depicts mujahideen fighters with tanks, and downed armored vehicles and helicopters." What's more, agents "seized five audio cassette cases, one audio cassette, and one videotape cassette of the lectures of Sheikh Abdullah El-Faisal...who was convicted in February 2003 in the United Kingdom of three counts of inciting and encouraging others to 'murder persons unknown.'"

- Judgment (Added 7/28/08) In April 2004, Ahmadi pled guilty to both counts and was sentenced to time served.

• United States v. Sadeq Naji Ahmed (False statements; Bin Laden "supporter," former TSA screener):

- DOJ Press Release on Conviction (Added 4/10/08) In May 2005, Dearborn, Michigan resident Sadeq Naji Ahmed was convicted for making false statements to the Office of Personnel Management. The DOJ press release notes, "the evidence presented at the two day trial showed that on October 3, 2002, while a TSA screener at the Detroit Metro airport, Mr. Ahmed made false statements on a security background investigation form. The evidence demonstrated that he falsely stated that he had never had a security clearance suspended when in fact he had his security clearance and access to classified information suspended in 2001 while he was a member of the United States Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He was also found guilty of falsely stating that he had not left a job under unfavorable conditions when, in fact, he left the Air Force because, among other things, he made statements in support of Usama bin Laden; that he was neither for nor against the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center; that the United States deserved the September 11, 2001 attacks; that he would not fight with the U.S. military if the U.S. took action in Iraq; and that U.S. aircraft flying over Iraq should crash."

- Government's Sentencing Memorandum (Added 4/10/08) In seeking a twelve month sentence, federal prosecutors wrote, "the suspension of defendant’s security clearance and departure from the military occurred as a result of a long-standing pattern of conduct that demonstrated the defendant’s disloyalty to the United States and his strong support for al Qaeda’s Usama bin Laden."

- Transcript of Sentencing Hearing (Added 4/10/08) This document is the transcript of Ahmed's September 2005 sentencing hearing.

- Judgment (Added 4/10/08) Ahmed was sentenced to eighteen months in prison in September 2005.

• United States v. Syed Haris Ahmed & Ehsanul Islam Sadequee (Material support to Al-Qaida):

- DOJ Press Release on Ahmed Indictment In April 2006, an Atlanta jury indicted Syed Haris Ahmed, a naturalized U.S. citizen studying at Georgia Tech University, for providing material support to terrorists.

- Superseding Indictment (adding Sadequee as a defendant) In July 2006, Syed Haris Ahmed and Ehsanul Islam Sadequee, a U.S. citizen who reportedly met Ahmed at the Al-Farooq Masjid in Atlanta, were indicted for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. According to federal prosecutors, Ahmed traveled to Pakistan in July 2005 with the intention of joining and fighting with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LET). The U.S. has designated LeT a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Prosecutors allege Ahmed hoped to participate “in violent jihad in Kashmir or elsewhere, including in the United States if so requested.” FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Intelligence Committee in January 2007 that Ahmed and Sadequee “had long-term goals of creating a large network of extremists in preparation for conducting attacks, possibly inside the United States." This FBI investigation was dubbed "Operation Northern Exposure."

- DOJ Press Release on Superseding Indictment

- Affidavit of FBI Special Agent Michael Scherck Ahmed and Sadequee, who attended high school in Canada, traveled to Toronto “to meet with likeminded Islamic extremists.” During interviews with FBI agents, Ahmed admitted that while in Canada the men “discussed strategic locations in the United States suitable for a terrorist strike, to include oil refineries and military bases.” After returning from Canada, Ahmed and Sadequee specifically talked about “the possibility of attacking Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia.” While in Canada, the men “also plotted how to disable the Global Positioning System in an effort to disrupt military and commercial communications and traffic.”

- Transcript of Sadequee's Detention Hearing Sadequee's family offered to guarantee Sadequee's bond with their family home.

- Ehsanul Islam Sadequee's Response to Government's Post-Hearing Brief on Motions to Suppress Evidence from Luggage Search and Airport Interrogation (Added 7/30/08) Sadequee's attorneys argued for the suppression of "evidence obtained from an unreasonable and illegal search of his checked baggage at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and statements made during an illegal detention at John F. Kennedy Airport."

- Government's Post-Hearing Brief Concerning Defendant Sadequee's Motions to Suppress Evidence from Luggage Search and Airport Interview The government filed this brief in opposition to Sadequee’s "motions to suppress evidence obtained from (1) a border search of his checked luggage at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport...and (2) an interview with law enforcement at John F. Kennedy International Airport."

- Superseding Indictment: Ahmed (Added 12/11/08) A superseding indictment was filed in the case of Syed Haris Ahmed, a naturalized U.S. citizen studying at Georgia Tech University, and Ehsanul Islam Sadequee, a U.S. citizen who reportedly met Ahmed at the Al-Farooq Masjid in Atlanta. FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Intelligence Committee in January 2007 that Ahmed and Sadequee “had long-term goals of creating a large network of extremists in preparation for conducting attacks, possibly inside the United States." The superseding indictment contains a plethora of new formal allegations against the two, though much of the material had previously been disclosed in legal proceedings or news reports pertaining to their web of associates in the U.S., Canada, England, and Bosnia.

For example, the indictment charges that “Sadequee and Ahmed traveled to the Washington D.C. area and recorded short ‘casing’ videos of symbolic and infrastructure targets for potential terrorist attacks, including the Pentagon and the United States Capitol” that were sent to Younis Tsouli (Irhabi007) and Aabid Hussein Khan. Tsouli occupied an exalted status in the online jihadist community and served as an Internet jack-of-all-trades, registering over 180 web site domains in Europe and the U.S. In July 2007, Tsouli, whom prosecutors said had a “particularly close affiliation” with Al Qaeda in Iraq, pled guilty in England to inciting murder for terrorist purposes. Khan has admitted making direct contact with at least two designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations inside Pakistan—Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba—willing to accept English-speaking Westerners as students at locally-run terrorist training camps. Investigators determined that he possessed “maps and timetables for the Washington, D.C., and New York City public transit systems; documents from the New York City Department of Transportation detailing truck routes into the city; schematics of the financial district in lower Manhattan”; and a slew of jihadist material. In August 2008, Khan was convicted in England on charges that included possessing an article for a purpose connected with terrorism and making a record of information likely to be useful in terrorism.

The indictment also formally lays out the conspirators’ ties to Zubair Ahmed. Ahmed and his cousin Khaleel Ahmed were charged in December 2007 in Toledo, Ohio with conspiring to "kill, kidnap or maim persons outside of the United States, to include U.S. armed forces personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan." Also relevant in the wake of the Mumbai attacks is the conspirators’ interest in joining Lashkar-e-Taiba.

- Superseding Indictment: Sadequee (Added 12/11/08)

- DOJ Press Release on Conviction: Ahmed (Added 6/10/09) Following a bench trial, U.S. District Judge William S. Duffey, Jr., announced in June 2009 the conviction of Syed Haris Ahmed for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. According to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David Nahmias, "This case has never been about an imminent threat to the United States, because in the post-9/11 world we will not wait to disrupt terrorism-related activity until a bomb is built and ready to explode.  The fuse that leads to an explosion of violence may be long, but once it is lit – once individuals unlawfully agree to support terrorist acts at home or abroad – we will prosecute them to snuff that fuse out."

- Judge's Ruling re: Ahmed Conviction (Added 8/13/09) Following a bench trial, U.S. District Judge William S. Duffey, Jr., announced in June 2009 the conviction of Syed Haris Ahmed for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. According to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David Nahmias, "This case has never been about an imminent threat to the United States, because in the post-9/11 world we will not wait to disrupt terrorism-related activity until a bomb is built and ready to explode.  The fuse that leads to an explosion of violence may be long, but once it is lit – once individuals unlawfully agree to support terrorist acts at home or abroad – we will prosecute them to snuff that fuse out."

- Daubert Ruling Approving NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann’s Expert Witness Testimony (Added 6/15/09) In approving the testimony of NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann as an expert witness on behalf of DOJ in the Atlanta trial of Syed Haris Ahmed, U.S. District Judge William S. Duffey Jr. wrote, “The basis for Kohlmann’s testimony, generally, is his years of research and tracking of terrorist information, through websites, primary interviews, books, news articles and journals, and other information. His testimony essentially synthesizes these concepts, and through use of the comparative analysis methodology, Kohlmann has developed an understanding of terrorist organization structures, operations, and membership, allowing him to speak with authority about Al-Qaida in Iraq, LeT, and JeM…His research and experience has provided him a base of understanding far greater, and far more sophisticated, than that of the Court or of jurors.”

- DOJ Press Release on Conviction: Ehsanul Islam Sadequee (Added 8/13/09) In a case in which NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann testified as an expert witness and which NEFA has covered in depth, Ehsanul Islam Sadequee, 23, of Roswell, Ga., was convicted on all four counts of an indictment charging him with supporting terrorists and a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David E. Nahmias said, "With this guilty verdict, a long and successful international counter-terrorism investigation comes to a close. Defendants in the United States, the United Kingdom, Bosnia, and elsewhere - all of whom conspired together to provide material support to violent jihad - are now safely behind bars." As DOJ explained, among Sadequee's numerous crimes, he and "others formed a violent jihadist organization known as 'Al Qaeda in Northern Europe.' The group was to be based in Sweden and focus on terrorist attacks in Europe."

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "Irhaby007's American Connections" (Added 7/9/07) This "Target: America" report shines a spotlight on the Atlanta, Georgia cell in Younis Tsouli's global, Internet-based, jihadist network. That Atlanta cell transmitted surveillance video of Washington D.C. landmarks to Tsouli in the U.K, and, according to FBI Director Robert Mueller, "had long-term goals of creating a large network of extremists in preparation for conducting attacks, possibly inside the United States." In July 2007, Tsouli and his two British co-conspirators pled guilty to inciting murder for terrorist purposes and received prison sentences ranging from 6 1/2 to 10 years. NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann testified as an expert witness in that trial.

- Anatomy of a Modern Homegrown Terror Cell: Aabid Khan et al. (Added 9/28/08) The NEFA Foundation has published a new report by NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann titled "Anatomy of a Modern Homegrown Terror Cell." The report focuses on the recent criminal trial of Aabid Hussain Khan at the Blackfriars Crown Court in London, as told through the actual evidence seized by U.K. authorities and the detailed testimony of Khan himself. According to Karen Jones, the reviewing lawyer in the case from the U.K. Crown Prosecution Service, "The evidence showed Khan was a committed and active supporter of Al-Qaida ideology… He preyed on vulnerable young people and turned them into recruits to his cause, using internet chat to lure them in then incite them to fight. He arranged their Pakistan for terrorism training, and talked about a 'worldwide battle.'"

• United States v. Syed Ahsan (Azzam Publications webmaster; material support to terrorists)

- Indictment (Added 12/20/07) In July 2006, Ahsan was arrested by British law enforcement authorities in London; he has been charged in Connecticut with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Federal prosecutors state that from "approximately 1997 through at least August 2004, Ahsan conspired with Babar Ahmad, an organization called Azzam Publications and others to provide material support and resources to persons engaged in acts of terrorism through the creation and use of various Internet Web sites, e-mail communications and other means. The material support and resources consisted of expert advice and assistance, communications equipment, military items, currency, monetary instruments, financial services and personnel. All of this material support was designed to assist and recruit for the Taliban and the Chechen Mujahideen, as well as to raise funds for terrorist activities in Afghanistan, Chechnya and other places. It is alleged that members of the conspiracy maintained accounts at a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Web hosting companies in the United States, including one headquartered in Connecticut."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 12/20/07)

• United States v. Abdurahman Alamoudi (Financial transactions with Libya; AQ; Muslim Brotherhood):

- Superseding Indictment (Added 4/9/08) Abdurahman Alamoudi, who "is the founder and former executive director of the American Muslim Council (AMC), the founder of the American Muslim Foundation (AMF), and...an influential member of other Islamic political and charitable organizations," was indicted in Virginia on a number of charges, including making false statements, engaging in prohibited financial transactions with the Libyan government, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Alamoudi "received and transferred and attempted to transfer, and exported and attempted to export, and otherwise dealt in and attempted to otherwise deal in, $340,000 in cash from the World Islamic Call Society, an entity that was a part of, controlled by and acting on behalf of the Government of Libya,"

- Plea Agreement (Added 4/9/08) As DOJ explains, "on July 30, 2004, Alamoudi pleaded guilty to three federal offenses: one count of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which imposes terrorism-related sanctions prohibiting unlicensed travel to and commerce with Libya; one count of false statements made in his application for naturalization; and a tax offense involving a long-term scheme to conceal from the IRS his financial transactions with Libya and his foreign bank accounts and to omit material information
from the tax returns filed by his charities."

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 4/9/08) In October 2004, Alamoudi was sentenced to 23 years in prison. The press release states, "Alamoudi made at least 10 trips to Libya, many lasting as long as five days. According to court documents, while in Libya, Alamoudi participated in meetings with Libyan government officials. Initially, during a meeting on March 13, 2003, Alamoudi and Libyan government officials discussed creating 'headaches' and disruptions in Saudi Arabia. As the scheme continued, however, Alamoudi learned that the actual objective was the assassination of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. Alamoudi participated in recruiting participants for this plot by introducing the Libyans to two Saudi dissidents in London and facilitating the transfer of hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash from the Libyans to those dissidents to finance the plot."

- Alamoudi and Al-Qaida (Added 4/9/08) In July 2005, "the U.S Department of the Treasury...designated the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia (MIRA), a U.K.-based Saudi oppositionist organization, for providing material support to al Qaida. MIRA is run by al Qaida-affiliated Saad al- Faqih..." The Treasury designation states, "in 2003, MIRA and Faqih received approximately $1 million in funding through Abdulrahman Alamoudi. According to information available to the U.S. Government, the September 2003 arrest of Alamoudi was a severe blow to al Qaida, as Alamoudi had a close relationship with al Qaida and had raised money for al Qaida in the United States."

- Alamoudi and the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood (Added 4/9/08) This prosecution filing in the Holy Land Foundation case identifies Alamoudi as a member of the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood.

- United Association for Studies and Research (UASR): 1997 Annual Report (Added 4/9/08) This document lists Alamoudi as the organization's secretary. Federal prosecutors identified UASR as a member of the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood's Palestine Committee in a court filing in the Holy Land Foundation case.

- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision (Added 4/9/08) In June 2006, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s grant of the Government’s motion for forfeiture of substitute assets.

• United States v. Hasan Saddiq Faseh Alddin (Immigration charges; ties to 9/11 hijackers):

- ICE Fact Sheet on Departure (Added 7/28/08) According to ICE, "On May 27, 2004, ICE agents in San Diego arrested 34-year-old Hasan Saddiq Faseh Alddin, a Saudi national and U.S. legal permanent resident, on immigration charges resulting from two prior convictions for domestic violence. The arrest stemmed from a Joint Terrorism Task Force probe. In September 2001, Alddin roomed with a close friend of two of the 9/11 hijackers, Nawaf Alhamzi and Khalid al-Mihdhar. Alddin’s roommate departed the country the day before the 9/11 attacks. ICE placed Alddin in deportation proceedings. He has since departed the country." 

• United States v. Adarus Abdulle Ali (Perjury in Somali jihad probe):

- Information (Added 11/10/09) Minnesota resident Adarus Abdulle Ali pled guilty to lying to a federal grand jury when he denied that he knew Minneapolis men were traveling to Somalia to wage jihad. The FBI's investigation of Ali is linked to a broader probe of approximately 20 U.S.-based individuals who traveled to Somalia to join Shabaab al-Mujahideen. (See the cases of (See the cases of Abdifatah Yusuf Isse and Salah Osman Ahmed, Kamal Said Hassan, and Abdow Abdow.)

• United States v. Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari & Brian Anderson (New York terror financing case):

- Indictment In February 2007, federal prosecutors in New York arrested Alishtari on charges of terrorism financing, material support of terrorism, international money laundering, conspiracy and wire fraud. According to DOJ, "ALISHTARI, a 53-year-old resident of Ardsley, New York, facilitated the transfer of $152,000 with the intention that it be used in Afghanistan and Pakistan to help train terrorists. Specifically, in the latter half of 2006, ALISHTARI accepted payment to discreetly transfer these funds, believing that they were earmarked for Pakistan and Afghanistan."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment

- Superseding Indictment (adding Brian Anderson as a defendant)

- Superseding Indictment (Added 10/3/09) Alishtari was indicted on terror financing and material support charges.

- Alishtari Resume In 2002 and 2003, Alishtari was named "US National Republican Congressional Committee NYS Businessman of the Year."

- Defense Strategy (Added 1/3/08) A filing by attorneys for Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari, a New York businessman and Muslim convert indicted for allegedly attempting to finance a terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, asserts that Alishtari's actions were motivated by profit: "An examination of the hours of taped conversations between the undercover agent posing as a wealthy mid-easterner and the defendant demonstrate that the defendant was more interested in promoting investment in his failing Flat Electronic Debit platform venture than he was in the obtuse goals of funding terrorist sympathizers as suggested by the undercover agent."

- British Columbia Securities Commission Report re: Brian Anderson (Added 7/30/08) This report summarizes how Anderson violated the Securities Act.

- Complaint re: Frontier Assets (Added 7/30/08) This FBI-authored complaint pertains to Anderson's involvement with Frontier Assets.

- DOJ Press Release on Guilty Plea (Added 10/02/09) Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari pled guilty in New York federal court to terrorism financing and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Ardsley, New York, businessman "facilitated the transfer of $152,000, with the understanding that the money would be used to fund training for terrorists. In the latter half of 2006, Alishtari agreed to discreetly transfer these funds for an undercover officer, believing that the money was going to be used to purchase night vision goggles and other equipment for a terrorist training camp in Afghanistan. During his guilty plea, Alishtari admitted that he sent the money from the United States knowing that the funds were to be used to help finance alleged terrorist activity in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Alishtari also pleaded guilty to stealing millions of dollars from victims through his fraudulent operation of a loan investment program..."

• United States v. Mohammed Alkaramla (Threat to Chicago Jewish school):

- Complaint (Added 3/28/09) According to a document filed in federal court by FBI Special Agent and JTTF member Tim Lauster Jr., Chicago resident Mohammed Alkaramla (who holds dual U.S. and Jordanian citizenship) “mailed a threatening letter to the Ida Crown Jewish Academy” that stated “Will Give You until 01.15.2009 to back OFF from Gaza in Palestine or will set our explosive in your areas, it very important to make a quick action before we make our decisions to set bombs in the fowling [sic] addresses…” He also conducted Google searches for the following terms on December 30, 2008: “Bomb attack + Israel + letters”, “Jewish elementary schools in Chicago”, and “Sample Threat [sic] Letter”.

• United States v. Ali Mohammed Abboud Almosaleh (False statements to CBP; possessed jihadist material):

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 4/10/08) In July 2004, Ali Mohammed Abboud Almosaleh was indicted in Minnesota and charged with making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents. According to DOJ, "on July 7, 2004, Almosaleh arrived at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on a Northwest Flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Upon arrival, Almosaleh allegedly falsely represented to customs agents how long he had been out of the United States. Almosaleh allegedly told customs agents that he had been out of the United States for one month, when in fact he had been out of the United States for approximately five months. He also allegedly made a false statement when he told customs agents that Syria was the only country he had visited prior to his arrival in United States, omitting his travel to Iraq, according to the indictment. The grand jury also alleged that Almosaleh lied about the contents of digital video disks found in his possession. Almosaleh allegedly represented that the video disks were 'just music' when in fact they contained video images, including, images of Iraqi Iman Muqtada Al-Sadr and his militia accompanied by calls for resistance against the United States, and video images of Saddam Hussein and the invasion of Iraq."

- Exhibit: FBI 302 (Added 4/10/08) This FBI summary of its interview of Almosaleh reveals that Almosaleh previously worked for a food service company at Denver International Airport.

- Exhibit: Sworn Statements (Added 4/10/08) These are the three sworn statements Almosaleh made before Customs and Border Patrol officers.

- Exhibit: CBP Declaration (Added 4/10/08) This is the Customs declaration Almosaleh filled out upon entering the U.S.

- Judgment (Added 4/10/08) Almosaleh pled guilty to making false statements and was sentenced to time served.

- Remarks by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff (Added 4/10/08) In a May 2007 speech, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff spoke about Almosaleh. He noted that searches of Almosaleh's baggage revealed "video clips of improvised explosive devices used against U.S. soldiers and vehicles; we found a video on martyrdom; and a manual on how to construct improvised explosive devices." Moreover, "additional searches revealed that he had used the internet to gather information on a special weapons facility in Iraq as well as the England-France Tunnel...can I guarantee that this person would have detonated a bomb in the United States? No. Would I want to take that chance? No."

• United States v. Abdullah Alnoshan & Khalid Fadlalla (Immigration fraud; MWL officials):

- ICE Press Release on Deportation (Added 4/28/08) In December 2005, Abdullah Alnoshan was deported to Saudi Arabia. ICE explains, "Alnoshan, who served as the director of the Virginia office of the Muslim World League, an international charity based in Saudia Arabia, was first arrested at his Falls Church home on July 22, 2005 by ICE and FBI agents assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. A July 19, 2005 criminal complaint filed in the case alleged that Alnoshan conspired to commit immigration fraud by using fraudulent employment documents and related fraudulent immigration documents to enter, exit, and live in the United States, while deterring law enforcement from discovering information regarding his true immigration status. Also charged in the criminal complaint was Khalid Fadlalla, a Sudanese citizen who worked at the Muslim World League office in New York...On November 22, 2005, Alnoshan pleaded guilty to one count of immigration fraud and was sentenced to time served...An Immigration Judge subsequently ordered him removed from the country." According to a U.S. government court filing, the Muslim World League "was founded by the founders of Al-Qaida.

• United States v. Yehia Ali Ahmed Alomari et al. (Money laundering; Hezbollah sting):

- Complaint (Added 4/18/08) In February 20007, federal prosecutors in Rochester, New York filed a complaint against Yehia Ali Ahmed Alomari, Saleh Mohamed Taher Saeed, and Mohamed Al Huraibi alleging that the men - who ran grocery stores in Rochester - conspired to launder money. The men, who were targeted in a U.S. government sting, transferred $200,000 believing it would be sent to Hezbollah.

- Transcript of Al Huraibi Detention Hearing (Added 5/12/08) According to this document, Al Huraibi was "a 20 year member of the Yemen military in which in his own words he was akin to a CIA officer in Yemen."

- Indictment (Added 5/12/08) In May 2008, federal prosecutors in Rochester, New York indicted Yehia Ali Ahmed Alomari, Saleh Mohamed Taher Saeed, and Mohamed Al Huraibi on sixteen counts of money laundering.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 5/12/08) 

• United States v. Ali Amirnazmi (Illegal business transactions with Iran):

- Indictment (Added 5/7/09) In July 2008, Ali Amirnazmi was indicted in Pennsylvania on numerous charges "relating to his
participation in illegal business transactions with Iran between in or about 1996 and in or about July 2008 and lying to federal officials about those transactions. The charges against Amirnazmi include one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), four counts of violating IEEPA, one count of conspiracy to act in the United States as an agent of the Government of Iran without registering with the Attorney General, one count of acting in the United States as an unregistered agent of the Government of Iran, and three counts of making false statements to federal officials."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 5/7/09) In February 2009, Amirnazmi was convicted today of one count of conspiracy to violate IEEPA, three counts of violating IEEPA, three counts of making false statements to federal officials, and three counts of bank fraud.

• United States Military v. Ryan Anderson (National Guardsman; sought to give intel to Al-Qaida):

- Army Public Affairs Article (Added 7/28/08) A February 2004 Army Public Affairs article noted, "A mobilized Washington state National Guardsman has been taken into custody for allegedly attempting to aid the al-Qaida terrorist network. Spc. Ryan G. Anderson, of the Guard’s 81st Armor Brigade, was apprehended Feb. 12 by military and federal law enforcement officers at Fort Lewis, Wash., without incident, officials said. Anderson is being held at the Fort Lewis Regional Corrections Facility pending criminal charges of aiding the enemy by wrongfully attempting to communicate and give intelligence to the Al-Qaida, in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice Articles 80 and 104, officials said." He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

• United States v. Yassin Muhiddin Aref & Mohammed Mosharref Hossain (Albany, N.Y. missile sting):

- Superseding Indictment (Added 7/5/08) In September 2005, federal prosecutors filed a superseding indictment in the case of Yassin Muhiddin Aref and Mohammed Mosharref Hossain, both residents of Albany, New York. As DOJ explained, "the Indictment charged Aref and Hossain with agreeing to conduct financial transactions which were
intended to conceal the source of cash which they believed to have come from the sale of a surface to air missile to terrorist group JEM for use in an imminent terror attack in New York."

- Government's Memorandum in Support of Motion for Entry of Order of Detention (Added 7/5/08) This government filing noted that Aref's diary included an entry in which he reported meeting with the "Hamas brother...who is 'the representative for the Syrian Relations.'" Further, "Aref's 1999 journal also shows a series of contacts with Mullah Krekar (who...subsequently founded the terrorist organization Ansar al Islam)." Additionally, "Aref’s 1999 journal reflects contacts with [Dr. Rhafil] Dhafir...Earlier this year, Dhafir was convicted in U.S. District Court in Syracuse of illegally sending nearly $4 million to Iraq in violation of the Iraqi embargo." And, "following his arrival in the U.S., Aref maintained contact with the IMK [Islamic Movement of Kurdistan] center in Damascus."

- Second Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion re: Alleged NSA Wiretap Evidence (Added 7/5/08) The Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Aref's efforts to gain "access to confidential information about government monitoring of
communications." The NSA allegedly carried out the monitoring. 

- Prosecution Exhibit List (Added 7/5/08) This document lists the exhibits DOJ introduced into evidence during the trial.

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 7/5/08) DOJ stated, "after a month-long trial which ended on October 10, 2006, an Albany jury found Aref guilty of the following offenses: conspiracy to engage in money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to provide material support in connection with an attack with a weapon of mass destruction (a shoulder fired surface to air missile), two substantive acts of material support in connection with an attack involving a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy to provide material support to a known terrorist organization (Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistani Islamic extremist group on the State Department's list of designated foreign terrorist organizations), two substantive acts of material support to a designated terrorist organization, and one count of lying to the FBI regarding whether he knew Mullah Krekar, founder of the terrorist group Ansar al Islam. Hossain was convicted of each of the 27 counts in which he was charged." Both Aref and Hossain were sentenced to 15 years in prison.

- Second Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion (Added 7/5/08) The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions of Albany, N.Y. residents Yassin Muhiddin Aref and Mohammed Mosharref Hossain. As DOJ has explained, the men were convicted for  "agreeing to conduct financial transactions which were intended to conceal the source of cash which they believed to have come from the sale of a surface to air missile to terrorist group JEM for use in an imminent terror attack in New York." In its ruling, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals explained that "based on an article in The New York Times (suggesting the defendants might have been subject to warrantless surveillance), Aref also moved to discover evidence resulting from any warrantless surveillance and to suppress any illegally obtained evidence or to dismiss the indictment." The court ruled that "the district court did not err in sealing certain documents containing classified information..." Nonetheless, the court "urge[d] district courts to avoid sealing documents in their entirety unless necessary to serve a compelling governmental interest such as national security.

• United States v. Sami Al-Arian et al. (RICO - Palestinian Islamic Jihad):

- Indictment (Added 1/26/08) In February 2003, federal prosecutors announced the filing of 50-count indictment in Tampa, Florida that charged "a total of eight defendants under RICO with operating a racketeering enterprise from 1984 until the present that engaged in a number of violent activities. In addition, the indictment charges conspiracy within the United States to kill and main persons abroad, conspiracy to provide material support and resources to PIJ, conspiracy to violate emergency economic sanctions, engaging in various acts of interstate extortion, perjury, obstruction of justice and immigration fraud." In the indictment, DOJ asserted that Al-Arian, a former professor at the University of South Florida's College of Engineering, was the "alleged leader of the PIJ in the United States, and Secretary of the 'Shura Council,' or worldwide governing group of the PIJ." Further, the government claimed "that Al-Arian and the seven other defendants used locations and facilities within the United States to serve as the North American base for PIJ..."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 1/26/08)

- Superseding Indictment (Added 1/26/08)

- Plea Agreement (Added 1/26/08) In April 2006, Al-Arian "pleaded guilty to Count Four of the indictment against him – a charge of conspiracy to make or receive contributions of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad."

- DOJ Press Release on Plea Agreement (Added 1/26/08) According to DOJ, "Al-Arian admits that he performed services for the PIJ in 1995 and thereafter...Al-Arian also acknowledges in the plea agreement that he knew the PIJ used acts of violence as a means to achieve its objectives. Nevertheless, Al-Arian continued to assist the terrorist organization, for instance, by filing official paperwork to obtain immigration benefits for PIJ associate Bashir Nafi, and concealing the terrorist associations of various individuals associated with the PIJ. He further admits to assisting PIJ associate Mazen al-Najjar in a federal court proceeding, a proceeding in which al-Najjar and Nafi both falsely claimed under oath that they were not associated with the PIJ."

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 1/26/08) Al-Arian received a 57-month sentence.

- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling (Added 1/26/08) The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the government did not violate Al-Arian's "plea agreement by issuing a subpoena commanding Al-Arian to testify before a grand jury" in Virginia probing Muslim charities there. In April 2006, after a jury acquitted him on some counts and hung on others, Al-Arian pled guilty to one count of conspiracy “to make or receive contributions of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad...in violation of 18 U.S.C. §371.” Then, "In May 2006, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued to Al-Arian a grand jury subpoena ad testificandum. The subpoena was served on Al-Arian in early October 2006, and he filed a motion to quash the subpoena in the Virginia district court. Al-Arian argued that his plea agreement in the Florida district court prevented the government from forcing him to testify before the grand jury in Virginia." Al-Arian refused to testify and was held in contempt; the contempt order was dropped in December 2007. The Virginia investigation reportedly involves a complex network of Islamic charities that allegedly funded terrorist groups, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). For example, in one letter entered into evidence in Al-Arian's trial, the Virginia-based International Institute for Islamic Thought is identified by PIJ leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah as the "largest contributor" to Al-Arian's World and Islamic Studies Enterprise (WISE), which authorities alleged was a PIJ front group.

- Indictment (Added 7/4/08) In June 2008, former University of South Florida professor Sami Al-Arian was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on two counts of criminal contempt for "unlawfully, knowingly, and willfully disobey[ing] and resist[ing] the lawful order of a court of the United States" on October 16, 2007 and March 20, 2008. According to open source reporting, the grand jury before which Al-Arian was called has been probing the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), an organization based in Herndon, Virginia. IIIT is discussed in this government affidavit.

- Al-Arian Affidavit: June 12, 2008 (Added 8/5/08) In this affidavit, Al-Arian addressed a series of topics, including questions regarding IIIT and SAAR.

- Al-Arian Affidavit: June 24, 2008 (Added 8/5/08) In an affidavit, Al-Arian stated, "my direct familiarity and involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood occurred from the fall of 1978  until about the end of 1982. I had lesser involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood from the end of 1982 to September 1983. I have no direct knowledge of the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood after September 1983."

• United States v. Abdelhaleem Ashqar et al. (Contempt and obstruction of justice; RICO - Hamas):

- Indictment: Contempt In an indictment filed in October 2003, Ashqar -- a former professor at Howard University -- was charged with contempt for refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating Hamas' U.S. network.

- Indictment: Racketeering Conspiracy In August 2004, federal prosecutors in Chicago indicted Ashqar, Muhammad Hamid Khalil Salah, and Mousa Abu Marzook "for allegedly participating in a 15-year racketeering conspiracy in the United States and abroad to illegally finance terrorist activities in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, including providing money for the purchase of weapons, the Justice Department announced. All three defendants allegedly used bank accounts in the United States to launder millions of dollars for disbursement to support Hamas, which has publicly claimed credit for engaging in suicide bombings that resulted in the deaths of Israeli military personnel and civilians, as well as American and other foreign nationals in Israel and the West Bank." Reflecting the breadth of the alleged network, prosecutors asserted the men joined "with 20 identified coconspirators - some named and some unnamed - and others since at least 1988 in illegally conducting the affairs of Hamas."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 1/26/08)

- Judgment Ashqar was convicted of contempt and obstruction counts, but acquitted on the terrorism charges.

- Judgment Salah was convicted of contempt, but acquitted on the terrorism charges.

- Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion (Added 10/05/09) In November 2007, Abdelhaleem Ashqar was convicted of obstruction of justice and criminal contempt for refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating Hamas' U.S. network. The terrorist enhancement was applied and he was sentenced to 135 months in prison. In his appeal, Ashqar argued "that applying the terrorist enhancement violates his Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial because it increases his sentence based on judicially-found facts and on conduct for which he was acquitted." In rejecting Ashqar's arguement, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that his "argument fundamentally misunderstands the meaning of an acquittal. The jury found not that Ashqar was innocent, but that a reasonable doubt existed about his guilt. Because the district court found Ashqar’s intent by a preponderance of the evidence, its finding does not contradict the jury’s verdict. Sentencing courts routinely rely on acquitted conduct to increase a defendant’s sentence, and this reliance does not violate the Sixth Amendment right to a jury."

- Holy Land Foundation Exhibits (Added 1/26/08) Exhibits filed in the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) case in Texas provide mountains of information about Marzook's involvement in supporting alleged Hamas fronts in the U.S., including HLF and the Islamic Association for Palestine, as well as Ashqar's role in a key 1993 planning meeting for the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood's Palestine Committee held in Philadelphia.

• United States v. Fawzi Mustapha Assi (Material support to Hezbollah)

- Answer and Brief by the United States in Response to Defendant's Motion to Suppress Statements (Added 7/30/08) This filing states, "On July 13, 1998, defendant boarded an airplane at Detroit Metro Airport on an international flight. His ultimate destination was Lebanon. He was approached by a Customs Inspector, to whom defendant showed his passport. Another Customs inspector searched defendant’s bag and discovered two Boeing global positioning satellite modules. Defendant was asked additional questions by the agents. Among other things, defendant denied that there were any commercial goods in his luggage. Defendant and his luggage were then taken to the Customs office at the international terminal for further inspection. Agents found night vision goggles and a thermal imaging camera in his luggage." Moreover, "he told the agents that he was contacted by Hassan, whose last name was unknown to him. Hassan asked defendant whether he could obtain technical equipment, including aviation equipment, night goggle visions, global positioning satellite systems, thermal imaging infrared scopes, technical software and bullet proof vests. Defendant admitted that Hassan was purchasing the equipment for Hizballah."

- Opinion and Order Denying Defendant's Second Amended Motion to Suppress Statements (Added 7/30/08) This document contains a detailed summary of Assi's interactions with law enforcement.

- Government's Unclassified Memorandum of Law in Opposition to the Defendant's Motion to Suppress (Added 7/30/08) This filing challenges Assi's argument that evidence obtained from FISA surveillance should be suppressed.

- Plea Agreement (Added 7/30/08) In November 2007, Assi pled guilty to providing material support to Hezbollah.

- DOJ Press Release on Guilty Plea In July 1998, Assi boarded a flight to Lebanon with two Boeing global positioning satellite modules, night vision goggles, and a thermal imaging camera in his luggage. According to DOJ, "He was attempting to deliver these items to a person in Lebanon, who was purchasing the equipment for" Hezbollah.

- Assi: Letter to the Judge (Added 7/30/08) Assi wrote this letter to the judge in his case.

- U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security Enforcement Case Summary (Added 7/30/08) This U. S. Bureau of Industry and Security Enforcement Case Summary was compiled when Assi was still a fugitive.

- U.S. Government Sentencing Memorandum (Added 12/13/08) Federal prosecutors wrote that "The issue is not whether he felt that Hizballah was justified in its conduct. The material that he had been providing was meant to advance the military objectives of Hizballah in their armed conflict with Israeli forces. The sentencing of defendant should not be a forum for a discussion on international politics."

- Assi's Sentencing Memorandum (Added 12/13/08) Assi's attorney wrote, "Fawzi Assi  did not perform acts which warrant a terrorist enhancement. He is a man with deep respect for the United States as well as the nation where he was born. At all relevant times in this matter, Israel was illegally occupying Lebanon. At all relevant times, the United States had advocated and voted against the Israeli occupation. However, Mr. Assi never engaged in violent activity towards Israel or the United States. The devices which were intercepted were not offensive weapons. He  did not ship weapons to members of Hezbollah and was not involved in any conspiracies to harm civilians or military personnel."

- Assi's Sentencing Memorandum (Added 12/13/08) Assi submitted this handwritten filing.

- Findings of Fact (Added 12/13/08) This document summarizes the investigation. In December 2008, Assi was sentenced to ten years in prison.

• United States v. Hasan Ali Ayesh & William Miller (Structuring; wire fraud; naturalization fraud; JTTF probe):

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 7/28/08) In March 2004, following a probe by the JTTF, federal prosecutors in Arkansas indicted Hasan Ali Ayesh and William Miller. As DOJ explained, "Ayesh was charged with 650 counts of structuring currency transactions to avoid federal reporting requirements. Miller was charged with aiding and assisting Ayesh in his structuring activities. Both men were charged with one count of wire fraud." Further, "The indictment states that Ayesh operated a convenience store and gas station known as The Fast Market in West Memphis, Arkansas. Ayesh deposited numerous two party checks each day into his business bank account. The indictment charges that between March 15, 1999 and May 27, 2003, Ayesh made 650 structured withdrawals from this account mostly by writing checks payable to Cash or Fast Market in the amount of $9,900 and cashing these checks at the bank. These structured withdrawals totaled $6,435,000 in cash withdrawn from his Union Planters Bank account. According to the indictment, Ayesh did this because he did not want the IRS to know he was moving such large amounts of cash out of his business because it would affect his ability to receive financial aide from the State of Tennessee as well as allow him to avoid paying taxes on his income. Additionally, the indictment charges that Ayesh was sending some of this money overseas to family members living in Palestinian controlled territories."

- Plea Agreement (Added 7/28/08) In November 2004, Ayesh pled guilty to structuring, wire fraud, and naturalization fraud.

- Government Sentencing Memorandum (Added 7/28/08) Federal prosecutors requested that Ayesh's citizenship be revoked. He was sentenced to five years probation and had his citizenship revoked.

- Judgment (Added 7/28/08) Miller pled guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to probation.

• United States v. Mohammed Junaid Babar (Material support to Al-Qaida):

- Sealed Information According to this filing in New York federal court, Babar "attempted to and did make and receive a contribution of funds, goods, and services to, and for the benefit of, al Qaeda...by providing military gear to others who transported the gear to al Qaeda associates in South Waziristan, Pakistan, and by traveling to South Waziristan, Pakistan to provide military gear and money to al Qaeda associates there."

• United States v. Sajid Badat (Shoe bomb plotter; material support to Al-Qaida):

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 12/20/07) In September 2004, DOJ indicted British citizen Sajid Badat on a number of charges, including conspiracy to destroy an aircraft and conspiracy to commit homicide. Federal prosecutors asserted he conspired with Richard Reid “to detonate homemade bombs hidden in shoes on American aircraft in 2001.” Badat, who received terrorist training in Pakistan and Afghanistan, dropped out of the shoe bomb plot at the last minute. In April 2005, Badat was sentenced to 13 years in prison in England after pleading guilty in February 2005 to conspiracy to destroy, damage or endanger an aircraft.

- State Department Designation (Added 12/20/07) In December 2005, the State Department designated Badat a foreign terrorist, which followed the United Nations 1267 Committee's announcement that it had added Badat's name to its list of terrorists.

- DNI Fact Sheet on 'Ali 'Abd al-'Aziz 'Ali (Added 4/19/08) According to this Director of National Intelligence document, in late 2001 in Afghanistan, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed directed 'Ali 'Abd al-'Aziz 'Ali "to be the communications intermediary between al-Qa'ida and 'shoe bombers' Richard Reid and Saajid Badat."

- 9/11 Commission Report Re: Shoe Bombs and 9/11 (Added 4/19/08) According to the 9/11 Commission Report, in Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's initial plan for 9/11, "operatives would hijack U.S.-flagged commercial planes flying Pacific routes across East Asia and destroy them in midair, possibly with shoe bombs, instead of flying them into targets."

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "KSM's Transatlantic Shoe Bomb Plot"

• United States v. Jamal Al-Badawi & Fahd Al-Quso (USS Cole bombing and failed USS Sullivans attack):

- Indictment (Added 4/10/08) In May 2003, DOJ announced the indictments of Yemeni nationals Jamal Ahmed Mohammed Ali Al-Badawi and Fahd Al-Quso for "plotting al Qaeda’s October 2000 attack on the USS Cole in the harbor of Aden, Yemen, in which 17 American sailors were killed." Further, Badawi was "charged with attempting with coconspirators to attack the U.S. naval vessel the USS The Sullivans in January 2000, while that vessel was refueling in the port of Aden." Badawi is identified as "a key al Qaeda operative in Aden recruited by members of Usama bin Laden’s inner circle..."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 12/20/07) 

• United States v. Haji Bagcho (Afghan Narcotics Trafficker):

- Indictment (Added 7/14/09) Alleged Afghan narcotics trafficker Haji Bagcho was charged in a two-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin knowing and intending that it would be imported into the United States and one count of distribution of one kilogram or more of heroin knowing and intending that it be imported into the United States. According to open source reporting, he had a "symbiotic relationship" with the Taliban.

 - DOJ Press Release on Detention Order (Added 7/14/09) Bagcho ordered detained while awaiting trial in Washington, DC.

• United States v. Dhiren Barot et al. (East coast buildings plot):

- Indictment In April 2005, U.S. prosecutors announced the indictment of Dhiren Barot, Nadeem Tarmohamed, and Qaisar Shaffi on charges of conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction, providing material support to terrorists, and conspiring to destroy buildings. Barot and his coconspirators conducted chillingly detailed surveillance on the Citigroup Center, the New York Stock Exchange, the Prudential Plaza, the International Monetary Fund Building, and the World Bank. By striking at the heart of the U.S. economy, Barot hoped to further Usama Bin Laden's goal of "bleeding America to the point of bankruptcy" and, in the words of a senior Justice Department official, "kill as many Americans as possible."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment

- Metropolitan Police Service Press Release on Charges In August 2004, Dhiren Barot, Nadeem Tarmohamed, Qaisar Shaffi, Mohammed Naveed Bhatti, Abdul Aziz Jalil, Omar Abdul Rehman, Junade Feroze, and Zia Ul-Haq were charged in England with conspiring to commit murder. Matthew Phillip Monks was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.

- Metropolitan Police Service Press Release on Barot Sentencing Barot, who attended terrorist training camps in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Philippines, pled guilty in October 2006, admitting he conspired to commit murder in the U.K. and the U.S. In November 2006, Barot was jailed for life, though that sentence was reduced to thirty years on appeal. According to the Met Police, Barot and his cell plotted mass-casualty, coordinated attacks in the U.K., “including detonating a dirty bomb, launching an attack on a train and packing three limousines with gas cylinders and explosives before setting them off in underground car parks." Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke, head of the Met Counter Terrorism Command, said, “He is a full-time terrorist. His training showed through. He used anti-surveillance, coded messages and secret meetings...”

- Crown Prosecution Service Press Release on Barot Sentencing This press release pointed out that "the charge of conspiracy to murder covered a four year period and included a wide range criminal activity, involving plans for attacks in the UK and attacks on buildings in the USA, including: the IMF and World Bank buildings, Washington; the New York Stock Exchange and Citigroup buildings, New York; and the Prudential Building, Newark, New Jersey."

- Crown Prosecution Service Press Release on Qaisar Shaffi Conviction In June 2007, Shaffi, a member of "one of the most dangerous terrorist cells in the UK," was convicted of conspiracy to murder. Junade Feroze, Zia Ul Haq, Abdul Aziz Jalil,  Omar Abdur Rehman, and Nadeem Tarmohamed, pled guilty to causing explosions before Shaffi's trial.

- Metropolitan Police Service Press Release on Conviction and Sentencing of Barot's Support Cell In June 2007, Qaisar Shaffi was sentenced to 15 years in jail. The six other support cell members were sentenced to between 15 and 26 years in prison. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke, head of the Met Counter Terrorism Command, commented, “…they were the planning team and were needed by Barot to contribute expertise in areas that he was lacking. They were the trusted few who researched, carried out reconnaissance and supported Barot. Each had a different role to play. Barot needed minders and drivers - people who could look after him as he carried out reconnaissance and conducted his meetings. He needed people to carry out research,15 gain access to specialist libraries, supply vehicles, false identities and travel documents, bank accounts, money and safe houses. These terrorists were skilled in anti-surveillance techniques, the use of coded messages and arranging secret meetings. Indeed, on one occasion Feroze and Jalil travelled literally hundreds of miles to use an internet café before returning to London to continue with their planning. “

- NEFA "Target: America" Report "The East Coast Buildings Plot"

• United States v. Narseal Batiste et al. (Miami cell targeting federal buildings and the Sears Tower):

- Indictment On June 22, 2006, Narseal Batiste, Patrick Abraham, Stanley Grant Phanor, Naudimar Herrera, Burson Augustin, Lyglenson Lemorin and Rothschild Augustine were indicted in Miami, Florida on four counts, including conspiring to provide material support to Al-Qaida and conspiring to levy war against the U.S. government. The indictment alleges that “Batiste recruited and supervised individuals in order to organize and train for a mission to wage war against the U.S. government, which included a plot to destroy by explosives the Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois.”

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment

- Government's Motion for Pretrial Detention According to this document, Batiste hoped to “wage a ‘full ground war’
against the United States in order to ‘kill all the devils we can,’ in a mission that would ‘be just as good or greater than 9/11." In addition to plotting to use explosives to destroy the Sears Towers, the men allegedly “agreed to assist in a fictitious al Qaeda plot” “to use explosives to destroy the offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C."

- Government's Motion to Disqualify the Federal Public Defender's Office from Representing Defendant Narseal Batiste Based on Conflict of Interest This government filing discloses the involvement of Chicago resident Charles Stewart (a.k.a. Sultan Khanbey). Stewart traveled to Miami with his wife (known as Queen Zakayaah) and, during a meeting at the warehouse monitored by the government, discussed “bringing about a revolution to help the people” with Batiste. Stewart spoke of nationalizing “10,000 people into the Moorish nation.” Stewart asserted that they were “‘vanguards’ and ‘angels’ here to rid the Earth of filth, that they were a nation and would do what nations do, and that as long as they stood on Islam, they were impregnable.”

- Government's Response in Opposition to Defendant Narseal Batiste's Motion to Dismiss Overt Acts in the Indictment According to this document, "Batiste first came to the attention of law enforcement in late October, 2005, when it was reported that Batiste discussed with others his desire to form an army and fight jihad from within the United States in order to overthrow the government."

- Report and Recommendation on Defendants' Motions to Suppress Videotape Evidence and Derivative Evidence In this filing, the government argues against the defense's efforts to "suppress the silent video recordings made of them at the warehouse between March 16 and March 30, 2006, by means of a video surveillance system that the FBI installed inside the warehouse without a warrant prior to March 16, 2006."

- Acquittal: Lyglenson Lemorin (Added 12/13/07) In December 2007, a jury deadlocked on the fate of six of the men; Lyglenson Lemorin was acquitted on all charges but still faces deportation.

- DOJ Press Release on Convictions (Added 5/12/09) After two mistrials, a Miami jury convicted five individuals on multiple charges, including conspiring to provide material support to Al-Qaida and conspiracy to levy war against the U.S. The ringleader, Narseal Batiste, was the only defendant convicted on all charges. A sixth defendant, Naudimar Herrera, was acquitted on all counts. In December 2007, another defendant, Lyglenson Lemorin, was acquitted but still faces deportation.

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "The Miami Plot to Bomb Federal Buildings & the Sears Tower"

• United States v. Sabri Benkahla (Virginia Lashkar-e-Taiba "paintball network"):

- Indictment (Added 2/17/08) Sabri Benkahla was indicted in February 2006 on obstruction of justice and perjury charges. As DOJ explains, "this investigation arose as part of the investigation of individuals attending the Dar al Arqam Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia. In June 2003, Benkahla and ten others were indicted by a grand jury in Alexandria for conspiring to commit various offenses including mounting expeditions to attack India in Kashmir and Russia in Chechnya in the course of training for jihad in Virginia and Pakistan...In September 2003, in a superseding indictment...Sabri Benkahla was charged with supplying services to the Taliban, and using a firearm in furtherance of that offense in connection with his alleged participation in a jihad training camp in Afghanistan in July 1999." In March 2004, Benkahla was acquitted.

However, when called to testify before a grand jury, Benkahla made false statements, denying he attended a jihad training camp in 1999, and asserting a lack of knowledge about individuals with whom he was in contact. Those individuals included Ibrahim Buisir of Ireland and Manaf Kasmuri of Malaysia, both Specially Designated Global Terrorists; DOJ also sought to question Benkahla about this contacts with Ahmed Abu Ali, a friend convicted of plotting to assassinate President Bush, as well as Malik al-Tunisi, a facilitator for the al-Zarqawi terrorist network in Iraq.

- DOJ Press Release on Conviction (Added 2/17/08) In February 2007, Benkahla was convicted of two counts of perjury before the grand jury, one count of obstruction of justice with respect to the grand jury investigation, and one count of making false official statements to the FBI. NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann testified as an expert witness on behalf of the Department of Justice in the trial.

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 2/17/08) In July 2007, Benkahla was sentenced to 121 months in jail.

- 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling (Added 7/5/08) The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the February 2007 conviction of Sabri Benkahla on two counts of perjury before a grand jury, one count of obstruction of justice with respect to a grand jury investigation, and one count of making false official statements to the FBI. Commenting on Benkahla's criticism of the expert witness testimony of NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann, the court stated, "Benkahla also attacks Kohlmann’s qualifications as an expert, but those qualifications were obviously substantial and the district court acted well within its discretion in determining that they were sufficient." Additionally, rejecting Benkahla's argument that the prosecution was double jeopardy, the court ruled, "It was legitimate to ask Benkahla, even post-acquittal, about his jihadist training in Pakistan or Afghanistan, and it was legitimate to prosecute him when he spoke falsely about it."

• United States v. Bilal Adullah Ben Benu (Weapons violations; Al-Fuqra; Charges dismissed):

- Indictment (Added 7/30/08) In September 2001, Al-Fuqra member Bilal Adullah Ben Benu was indicted in Virginia on weapons charges.

- Superseding Indictment (Added 7/30/08) Additional weapons charges were filed.

- Memorandum Opinion (Added 7/30/08) In July 2002, a judge rejected a motion to dismiss.

- Dismissal Order (Added 7/30/08) In November 2002, the case against Bilal Adullah Ben Benu was dismissed. 

• United States v. Soliman Biheiri (Fraudulently procured passport; business dealings w/ Hamas leader):

- Indictment (Added 7/28/08) Soliman Biheiri was indicted in Virginia for making false statements and fraudulently procuring a passport. According to the indictment, "Biheiri falsely stated to agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement that he did not have a social or business relationship with Mousa Abu Marzook, and that he had never handled any money for, or on behalf of, Marzook." Marzook is a senior Hamas leader. Moreover, "Biheiri falsely stated to agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement that he had never had a personal or business relationship with Sami Al-Arian." Al-Arian has admitted his involvement with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

- ICE Press Release on Conviction (Added 7/28/08) In October 2004, Biheiri was convicted of one count of making false statements under oath. Explaining the case history, ICE stated, "In early October 2004, Count Two of the indictment, which pertained to Sami Al-Arian, was dismissed. On October 6, 2004, Biheiri pleaded guilty to fraudulently procuring a U.S. passport. A jury trial then commenced on the charge relating to Biheiri's statements about his relationship with Mousa Abu Marzook -- ultimately resulting in Biheiri’s conviction."

- ICE Fact Sheet (Added 7/28/08) According to ICE, "At trial, the government presented evidence that Biheiri had managed funds for Marzook both before and after Marzook was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. government in 1995. Specifically, the government presented files seized from Biheiri’s computer showing that Marzook had invested $1 million in U.S. business ventures managed by Biheiri and his now-defunct Islamic investment firm BMI, Inc. Biheiri was first arrested by ICE agents in June 2003 pursuant to a material witness warrant issued by the Eastern District of Virginia and was subsequently indicted on three counts of immigration violations."

• United States v. Moussa Bitar (Identity theft; false use of social security number; terror watch list?):

- Complaint (Added 7/28/08) Bitar, who, according to press reports was on the terrorist watch list, was charged with fraudulently procuring a passport. He used the name Sergio Soto when applying for his passport.

- Indictment (Added 7/28/08) Bitar was indicted in Colorado for making a false statement in an application for a passport, aggravated identity theft, and false use of a social security number.

- Plea Agreement (Added 7/28/08) In July 2007, Bitar pled guilty to aggravated identity theft and false use of a social security number.

- Judgment (Added 7/28/08) Bitar was sentenced to two years in prison in October 2007.

• United States v. Viktor Bout (Arms dealer; material support to FARC; links to Taliban):

- Complaint (Added 3/7/08) Federal prosecutors in New York announced the unsealing of charges against Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout and his associate Andrew Smulian "for conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (the 'FARC') -- a designated foreign terrorist organization based in Colombia." According to authorities, "between November 2007 and February 2008, BOUT and SMULIAN agreed to sell to the FARC millions of dollars worth of weapons –- including surface-to-air missile systems ('SAMs') and armor piercing rocket launchers. During a series of recorded telephone calls and emails, BOUT and SMULIAN agreed to sell the weapons to two confidential sources working with the DEA (the 'CSs'), who held themselves out as FARC representatives acquiring these weapons for the FARC for use in Colombia." The U.S. plans to seek Bout's extradition from Thailand, where he was arrested.

- DOJ Press Release on Complaint (Added 3/7/08)

- Remarks by Michael J. Garcia: U.S. Attorney for the SDNY (Added 3/7/08) Garcia asserted that Bout's arrest "marks the end of the reign of one of the world's most wanted arms traffickers."

- DEA Press Release on Arrest (Added 3/7/08) If Bout and Smulian are convicted, they face a maximum of 15 years in prison.

- Treasury Department Designation of Bout Network (Added 3/7/08) In April 2005, the U.S. Treasury Department "identified 30 companies and four individuals linked to Viktor Bout, an international arms dealer and war profiteer...[The] action took place pursuant to Executive Order 13348, which targets family members and associates of former Liberian President Charles Ghankay Taylor." According to the Treasury statement, "shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Bout, a former Soviet air force officer with a gift for languages, was able to acquire surplus or obsolete airplanes which he used to deliver arms and ammunition from old Soviet stockpiles. The high profits he garnered supplying military equipment to rebel groups and sanctioned regimes allowed him to expand his business. Notably, information available to the U.S. Government shows that Bout profited $50 million from supplying the Taliban with military equipment when they ruled Afghanistan."

- Treasury Department Chart of Bout Network (Added 3/7/08) This chart displays the links in the Bout network. 

- Indictment (Added 5/6/08) Federal prosecutors in New York announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, conspiracy to acquire and use an anti-aircraft missile, and conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to DOJ, "the United States is actively pursuing Bout’s extradition from Thailand."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 5/6/08) 

•  United States v. Yaser Khareddin Bushnaq (Naturalization fraud; alleged Muslim Brotherhood ties)

- Indictment (Added 1/30/08) Yaser Bushnaq, named as an unindicted coconspirator in the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) prosecution and identified as a member of the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood's Palestine Committee, has been indicted in Virginia for unlawful procurement of citizenship. Prosecutors allege that Bushnaq failed to disclose a number of affiliations on his Application for Naturalization. DOJ notes that Bushnaq, otherwise known as "Yaser Saleh," served as President of the Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), "an overt arm of the covert organization known as the Muslim Brotherhood." A mountain of evidence tying IAP to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood was presented during the HLF trial, including checks documenting the more than $850,000 Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzook gave to IAP. Moreover, Bushnaq did not disclose that between 1993 and 1995, he was a member of the Al-Aqsa Education Fund's (AAEF) Board of Trustees. Abdehaleem Ashqar, who organized the 1993 Philadelphia meeting of U.S. Palestine Committee members, ran the AAEF, which prosecutors assert "sought to raise funds for Hamas." And Bushnaq also obscured his role as "an authorized signatory for the financial accounts of the Marzook Legal Fund...an organization created to...provide financial support to a leader of Hamas [Mousa Abu Marzook] imprisoned in the United States..." 

• United States v. Cedric Carpenter & Lamont Ranson (False document sales; Abu Sayyaf sting):

- Information (Added 4/9/08) The Information alleged that New Orleans residents Cedric Carpenter and Lamont Ranson "agreed to produce false identification documents, namely, Mississippi driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and birth certificates, knowing that the intended recipients of the false identification documents were represented to be members of Abu Sayyaf." Moreover, "beginning in June 2004, Carpenter and Ranson had discussions with confidential informants of the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), about a proposal to produce false identification documents for a group of individuals identified as members of Abu Sayyaf. Ranson was familiar with Abu Sayyaf from his prior service with the U.S. Navy in Far East."

- ICE Press Release on Guilty Pleas (Added 4/9/08) In February 2005, Carpenter and Ranson admitted their involvement in a conspiracy to sell false documents to purported members of Abu Sayyaf.

- ICE Press Release on Sentencing (Added 4/9/08) In May 2005, Carpenter was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment; Ranson was sentenced to 29 months in jail.

• United States v. Talal Chahine et al. (Michigan businessman with alleged Hezbollah ties):

- Indictment: Tax Evasion In May 2006, prosecutors in Michigan unsealed an indictment against Talal Khalil Chahine, the owner of the “La Shish” restaurant chain, and Elfat El Aouar, a “La Shish” financial manager and Chahine’s wife. According to DOJ, "Talal Chahine and Elfat El Aouar collaborated in a scheme to skim cash proceeds from the restaurants for the tax years 2000 through 2003. During those tax years, it is alleged, La Shish, Inc. maintained a double set of computerized books, records and balance reports, one actual and one altered. The altered records artificially reduced the amount of cash that was actually received by the restaurants. Talal Chahine and Elfat El Aouar oversaw the maintenance of the double set of books, as well as the skimming and concealment of more than $16,000,000 in cash received by the restaurants."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment: Tax Evasion

- Superseding Indictment: Tax Evasion In May 2007, Chahine was charged with an additional count of tax evasion.

- DOJ Press Release on Superseding Indictment: Tax Evasion

- Indictment: Bribery, Conspiracy, and Extortion Announced in October 2007, this indictment charged Roy Bailey "with misusing his position as the Assistant District Director with INS and, thereafter, as the Field Office Director at DHS-ICE by accepting large sums of currency and other property in return for granting immigration benefits, including the release of several individuals who were being kept in the custody of INS and DHS-ICE." Moreover, "CHAHINE and BAILEY were charged with conspiring to use BAILEY’s position at INS and at DHS-ICE to extort money from former employees of the La Shish restaurant business." Three others were also indicted on bribery, conspiracy, and extortion charges.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment: Bribery, Conspiracy, and Extortion

- Indictment: Naturalization Fraud Chahine was indicted for his role in a naturalization fraud scheme perpetrated by his sister-in-law, Nada Nadim Prouty, who served as a FBI Special Agent and a CIA officer.

- Background on Chahine's Alleged Ties to Hezbollah This document reveals that "in August 2002, Elfat Al Aouar and [Talal] Chahine attended a fund raising event in Lebanon. The keynote speakers for the event were Talal Chahine and Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah [Hizballah's chief 'spiritual leader']. Chahine sat to the right of Fadlallah, a position of prominence in the Middle East, spoke from the same podium as Fadlallah, and conferred with him privately. Chahine was the representative at the event of a worldwide group of fund raisers. The government is in possession of a video tape of this event as well as still photographs showing El Aouar and Chahine's participation." The event was a fundraiser for Al-Mabarrat, a charity whose Dearborn, Michigan office was raided in July 2007.

Additionally, according to the court filing, "among the items seized from El Aouar's residence on April 19, 2005 was a letter, written in Arabic and translated by a FBI Language Specialist, thanking Chahine for sponsoring 40 Lebanese orphans during the years 2000-2001...The government is aware that the sponsorship of orphans is a euphemism used by Hizballah to refer to the orphans of martyrs." And, "other evidence observed at El Aouar's residence during the searches included several photo albums depicting images of Talal Chahine and his family. These images showed Chahine and his family posing in and around a Hizballah outpost in Lebanon.

- DOJ Press Release on Elfat El Aouar Guilty Plea: Tax Evasion El Aouar, who is Chahine's husband, pled guilty to one count of income tax evasion in December 2006.

- DOJ Press Release on Elfat El Aouar Sentencing: Tax Evasion El Aouar was sentenced to eighteen months in prison.

- Plea Agreement: Mohamad Arzouni (Added 3/11/09) Roy Bailey's co-conspirator pled guilty in October 2008 for conspiring to defraud the United States in an immigration scheme.

- DOJ Press Release on Bailey Guilty Plea (Added 9/18/08) Roy Bailey, the former Assistant Director of the Detroit office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), pled guilty in Michigan federal court to charges of bribery, conspiracy to defraud the United States and misprision of felony. Bailey conspired with indicted La Shish restaurant owner Talal Chahine, whom federal prosecutors have linked to Hezbollah, in a scheme by which foreign born La Shish employees obtained immigration benefits, including permanent resident status, through the use of false marriages arranged with U.S. citizens who also worked at La Shish.

- U.S. Government Sentencing Memorandum: Bailey (Added 3/11/09) Federal prosecutors wrote that "Whether measured by its breadth, its duration or by the hundreds, if not thousands, of individual immigration aliens who were its victims, the criminal activity in this case can only be described as shocking. Roy Bailey’s deliberate and repeated actions reveal a stark pattern of greed and self aggrandizement at the expense of integrity, honor and professionalism, qualities that the public has every reason and every right to expect from it’s most senior government officials. In his position as a high ranking law enforcement official who exercised discretion over the liberty and lives of thousand of immigration detainees, Roy Bailey’s crimes are, quite simply, a betrayal. That Mr. Bailey chose to corrupt and to profit from a system populated by some of the most vulnerable members of this society, illegal aliens, with little if any support, cultural standing or advocates, cries out for punishment."

• United States v. Ali Asad Chandia & Mohammed Ajmal Khan (Virginia Lashkar-e-Taiba network):

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment  (Added 1/23/08) On September 14, 2005, a federal grand jury indicted Chandia, a Maryland resident, and Mohammed Ajmal Khan, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The press release noted that "Chandia's arrest and the indictment are a continuation of the 'Virginia Jihad' investigations in Northern Virginia. Those investigations have led to 10 convictions to date, including the conviction of the spiritual leader of the Virginia Jihad network, Ali Al-Timimi." Chandia was Al-Timimi's former "personal assistant." Khan was tried and convicted in England.

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 1/23/08) On August 25, 2006, Chandia was sentenced to 15 years in jail for conspiring to, and providing material support to, Lashkar-e-Taiba. DOJ wrote that "the evidence at trial established that during a three-month trip to Pakistan in 2001-2002, Chandia met and allied himself with Mohammed Ajmal Khan...Khan, who is currently serving a nine-year sentence in the United Kingdom for directing a terrorist organization (Lashkar-e-Taiba), served as a military procurement official for Lashkar-e-Taiba." Moreover, "in a search of Chandia’s home conducted on May 8, 2003, the FBI found audiotapes and other materials manifesting his commitment to violent jihad. On the front seat of Chandia’s car, the FBI also found a CD-ROM containing videos glorifying the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Osama bin Laden, and the nineteen hijackers who carried out the attacks." NEFA Senior Investigator Evan Kohlmann testified as an expert witness in this trial, as well as in Khan's trial in England.

- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion (Added 1/23/08) In its ruling, the appeals court affirmed Chandia’s convictions but vacated his sentence and remanded Chandia for resentencing. The court stated, "While it is true that Chandia did not...dispute the allegations that he provided support to Ajmal Khan by, for instance, helping him ship paintballs to Pakistan, these facts alone do not support application of the [terrorism] enhancement. Unlike in some cases where the enhancement has been applied, the acts underlying the conviction in this case were not violent terrorist acts...Therefore, these acts cannot, standing alone, support application of the terrorism enhancement."

• United States v. Fayez Damra (Tax evasion):

- Indictment (Added 10/26/08) In July 2006, a "federal grand jury in Cleveland returned an indictment, charging Fayez Damra, aka Alex Damra, and Fawaz Damra with conspiring to defraud the United States, tax evasion, and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a materially-false tax return." The charges pertain to "an alleged conspiracy in which Fayez distributed funds from his computer software design corporation, known as Applied Innovation Management, Inc. (AIM), to members of the Damra family, including Fawaz, then deducting those funds as AIM expenses. Fawaz is accused of participating in that conspiracy by receiving from Fayez $100,000 in AIM funds at the end of 1999, and falsely reporting that money as consulting income while deducting non-existent expenses against the AIM funds." Fawaz Damra has been deported from the U.S. and was involved with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Al-Kifah Refugee Center.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 10/26/08) 

- U.S. Government Trial Brief (Added 10/26/08) In this filing, the government explains its argument against the Damra brothers.

- IRS Criminal Investigation: Memorandum of Interview (Added 10/26/08) This document summarizes a February 2005 government interview of Fayez Damra.

- Fayez Damra Biography (Added 10/26/08) This document provides extensive background information on Fayez Damra.

- Judgment (Added 10/26/08) Damra was convicted of conspiring to defraud the U.S. and tax evasion and sentenced  to 21 months in prison.

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 10/26/08)

• United States v. Fawaz Damra (Naturalization fraud; Palestinian Islamic Jihad):

- Indictment (Added 2/17/08) In December 2003, Ohio imam Fawaz Damra was indicted on naturalization fraud charges. According to DOJ, Damra concealed from the former INS his membership in and/or affiliation with: (1) Afghan Refugees Services, Inc., aka Al-Kifah Refugee Center; (2) Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aka the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine; and (3) Islamic Committee for Palestine (ICP). The indictment further alleged that Damra "had previously incited and/or assisted others, including terrorist organizations, that advocated the persecution of Jews and others by means of violent terrorist attacks..."

- ICE Press Release on Conviction (Added 2/17/08) In June 2004, Damra was convicted for unlawfully obtaining citizenship through a false or fraudulent application.

- ICE Press Release on Citizenship Revocation (Added 2/17/08) In September 2004, "a federal judge sentenced...Muslim cleric Fawaz Mohammed Damrah to two months prison, four months home confinement, and stripped him of his citizenship...for failing to disclose information on his citizenship application that would have disqualified him for the benefit."

- ICE Press Release on Deportation (Added 2/17/08) In January 2007, Damra was deported. This press release states, "evidence presented during Damrah's criminal trial showed that he exploited the PIJ's [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] terrorist attacks during fundraising activities for the organization. On videotape shown in court of a 1991 fundraising event, Damrah is seen explaining that, '...whoever donates... it is as if he too is fighting the holy war, and he will be rewarded like him, even if he stays home.' During other fundraising events Damrah said, 'terrorism and terrorism alone is the path to liberation.'"

- Treasury Department Fact Sheet on Makhtab al-Khidamat/Al Kifah (Added 2/17/08) According to Treasury, "Makhtab al-Khidamat/Al Kifah (MK) is considered to be the pre-cursor organization to al Qaida and the basis for its infrastructure. MK was initially created by Usama bin Laden’s (UBL) mentor, Shaykh Abdullah Azzam, who was also the spiritual founder of Hamas, as an organization to fund mujahideen in the Soviet-Afghan conflict." Moreover, "after Azzam was killed in 1989, UBL and Sheikh Umar Abd al-Rahman (a.k.a. 'The Blind Sheikh') continued to use MK to recruit fighters for the Soviet-Afghan conflict...MK is known to have provided funds and other support to several charities, including the Al Haramain Foundation (AHF) and the Global Relief Foundation."

- 9/11 Commission Report on Al Kifah (Added 2/17/08) The 9/11 Commission Report pointed out that other Al Kifah branches existed in Atlanta, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Tucson.

- Testimony of former FBI Director Louis Freeh before the 9/11 Commission on Al Kifah (Added 2/17/08) According to Freeh, Al-Kifah's Brooklyn office was a recruiting station "for 'soldiers' from the United to [go to] Afghanistan to fight in the Soviet 'jihad.'"

• United States v. Bassam Darwishahmad (Palestinian Liberation Organization):

- Indictment (Added 2/17/08) In February 2007, Bassam Darwishahmad was indicted in Tennessee on a number of charges, including making false statements on an immigration document.

- DOJ Press Release on Guilty Plea (Added 2/17/08) In April 2007, DOJ announced that "Bassam Darwishahmad pleaded guilty...to one count of 18 USC 1546, false statements on an immigration document. Darwishahmad, a former Palestinian Authority intelligence officer, answered 'No' to a question on an I 485 (petition for permanent resident alien status) which asked 'have you ever engaged in, conspired to engage in, or do you intend to engage in, or have you ever solicited membership or funds for, or have you through any other means ever assisted or provided funds for, or have you through any other means ever assisted or provided any type of material support to any person or organization that has ever engaged in or conspired to engage in sabotage, kidnapping, political assassination, hijacking or any other form of terrorist activity?' Darwishahmad has admitted to members of the Memphis FBI/JTTF that in 1990 he was recruited by members of Fattah, part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), to bomb an Israeli police station in Nablus, West Bank. Darwishahmad also admitted to JTTF agents that he had, at that time, thrown a bomb at an Israeli bus containing civilians. Darwishahmad had also admitted to a coworker that he had thrown Molotov Cocktails at Israeli soldiers."

- Plea Agreement (Added 2/17/08) Darwishahmad agreed "to cooperate fully and take all steps necessary to expedite his removal from the United States."

- Judgment (Added 2/17/08) Darwishahmad was sentenced to time served.

• United States v. Russell Defreitas et al. (JFK plot):

- Complaint (Added 2/27/08) In June 2007, four individuals -- Russel Defreitas (a former JFK exployee), Abdul Kadir, Kareem Ibrahim, and Abdel Nur -- were charged in a complaint with conspiring "to destroy buildings, fuel tanks, and fuel pipelines at JFK airport with explosives." According to DOJ, "the plot tapped into an international network of Muslim extremists from the United States, Guyana, and Trinidad, and utilized the knowledge, expertise, and contacts of the conspirators to develop and plan the plot, and obtain operational support and capability to carry it out. For example, as part of the plot, the conspirators dispatched DEFREITAS from Guyana to conduct video and photo surveillance of JFK airport on four occasions in January 2007..The defendants used their connections to present their terrorist plot to radical groups in South America and the Caribbean, including senior leadership of Jamaat Al Muslimeen ('JAM'), which was responsible for a deadly coup attempt in Trinidad in 1990."

- DOJ Press Release on Complaint (Added 2/27/08)

- Indictment (Added 2/27/08) The four conspirators were formally indicted on June 28, 2007 in New York federal court.

- NYPD Counter Terrorism Bureau Brief on Plot (Added 3/25/08) A NYPD Counter Terrorism Bureau overview of the plot and its implications has become public.

• United States v. Wesam al-Delaema (Attacking U.S. troops in Iraq):

- Indictment (Added 2/17/08) In April 2005, Wesam Delaema, an Iraqi-born Dutch citizen, was indicted in Washington D.C. on a number of charges, including conspiring to murder U.S. nationals outside the U.S. DOJ alleges that "Delaema traveled from the Netherlands to Iraq in October 2003 and met up with a group of co-conspirators calling themselves the 'Mujahideen from Fallujah,' who declared their intentions to kill Americans in Iraq using explosives. The indictment further alleges that Delaema and his co-conspirators hid explosives in a road in the area of Fallujah, Iraq." He was arrested by Dutch law enforcement authorities in May 2005 and faced similar charges in that country.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 2/17/08)

- Complaint (Added 2/17/08) In July 2005, Delaema was charged by criminal complaint with participating in a conspiracy to attack Americans based in Iraq,

- DOJ Press Release on Complaint (Added 2/17/08)

- Affidavit of FBI Special Agent Michael O'Callaghan in Support of Criminal Complaint (Added 2/17/08) FBI Special Agent Michael O'Callaghan revealed that when Delaema's home was searched in the Netherlands, "visual recordings were also recovered of numerous attacks against American and Coalition personnel in Iraq." The document adds, "in or about October 2003, while in or around Fallujah, Iraq, Delaema and several associates went during the night to a dirt and gravel road where they videotaped themselves uncovering two artillery shells and detonating cords buried in the road. As they uncovered the explosives, Delaema and his associates discussed the following: (i) that they had placed the bombs 50 meters apart to hit more than one vehicle; (ii) that the American vehicles typically travel along the route where the explosives are buried; (iii) that they would be able to detonate the explosives from 500 meters away with a remote control; and (iv) that the explosives can destroy armored vehicles...After they uncovered each artillery shell and each segment of detonating cord and explained its significance while being videotaped, Delaema and his associates re-covered each artillery shell and each segment of detonating cord with dirt and gravel, so that they would remain buried."

- DOJ Press Release on Arraignment (Added 2/17/08) In January 2007, Delaema was arraigned in D.C. federal court. As DOJ explains, "in September 2005, the United States filed a formal request with the Netherlands seeking Delaema’s extradition. The extradition request was subsequently granted by a Dutch court and then by the Dutch Ministry of Justice. In December 2006, the extradition request was sustained on appeal in the Netherlands. This past weekend, Delaema was flown to the United States, arrested, and taken into custody by the FBI."

- Dutch Police Arrest Report (Added 12/13/08) This Dutch police report provides an overview of Delaema's arrest.

- Dutch Police Report (Added 12/13/08) This 50 page Dutch police report summarizes the investigation.

- Dutch Police Report (Added 12/13/08) This Dutch report summarizes Delaema's phone conversations that authorities intercepted.

- Dutch Police Arrest Report (Added 12/13/08) This Dutch police report notes that Delaema was initially suspected of involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Nick Berg in Iraq.

- Dutch Police Report on Delaema Setting Himself on Fire (Added 12/13/08) During a 2003 protest in Amsterdam against the Iraq war, Delaema set himself on fire "to show Bush what he was doing to the world." This police report summarizes the incident.

- Photos (Added 12/13/08) These photos of Delaema show him being questioned.

- Jail Visitation List (Added 12/13/08) This document lists the individuals who visited Delaema in prison.

- Expert Witness List (Added 12/13/08) This filing reveals DOJ's intent to utilize NEFA Senior Invesigator Evan Kohlmann as an expert witness in the trial. 

- FBI Press Release on Sentencing (Added 4/19/09) Wesam al-Delaema, an Iraqi-born Dutch citizen, "was sentenced to 25 years in prison...for conspiring to murder Americans overseas..." According to the FBI, "al-Delaema travelled to Fallujah in October 2003. There, al-Delaema and his co-conspirators -- calling themselves the 'Mujahideen from Fallujah' -- declared their intentions to kill Americans in Iraq using improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As part of the conspiracy, al-Delaema and his co-conspirators discussed and demonstrated, on video, the way in which the IEDs they had buried in a road near Fallujah would be detonated and would destroy American vehicles driving on the road and kill the American occupants of those vehicles. According to the factual proffer that he agreed to, al-Delaema not only created “how-to” and recruitment videos, but also filmed the effects of roadside attacks in Iraq. Furthermore, after his return to the Netherlands, al-Delaema continued to attempt to obtain propaganda videos for those seeking to kill Americans in Iraq, frequently attempting to obtain raw footage of attacks on Americans in Iraq." Al-Delaema will be sent to the Netherlands, where a Dutch judge will make the final determination on his sentence.

• United States v. Saubhe Jassim Al-Dellemy and Mouyad Mahmoud Darwish (Agents for Iraqi Intelligence):

- Information (Added 12/24/08) In December 2008, Saube Jassim Al-Dellemy, an Iraqi national living in Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an agent of Iraq. According to DOJ, Al-Dellemy, who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2000, came to the United States as a student in the 1980s and had his education in the U.S. paid for by the Ba’ath Party. "In exchange, Al-Dellemy was expected to provide information to the government of Iraq of matters of interest to the government and the Iraqi Intelligence Service." Particularly notable is the fact that "throughout the conspiracy Al-Dellemy made a restaurant he operated in Maryland available as a meeting place for IIS officers and Iraqi government officials, and utilized his restaurant as a means to gather information pertaining to U.S. government agencies near the restaurant, such as the National Security Agency and Fort George G. Meade. Throughout the conspiracy, Al-Dellemy relied on fellow Ba’ath Party members and/or sympathizers to provide him with information about the Iraqi opposition in the United States, including members of the Iraqi community in Detroit, Michigan. Al-Dellemy also gathered information in Maryland regarding U.S. military training and travel concerning U.S. actions in Iraq."

- Plea Agreement (Added 12/24/08)

- DOJ Press Release on Guity Plea (Added 12/24/08)

- Complaint (Added 12/31/08) In December 2008, Mouyad Mahmoud Darwish, a Canadian citizen born in Iraq who had resided in Maryland, was arrested for working with the Iraqi Intelligence Service (IIS). According to DOJ, "Darwish received payments from the IIS and the Iraqi government as compensation for his assistance and information." He is an alleged co-conspirator of Saube Jassim Al-Dellemy, who pled guilty to conspiracy to act as an agent of Iraq in December 2008.

- DOJ Press Release on Complaint (Added 12/31/08)

• United States v. Mohammad Amin Doudzai and Nadia Naeem (Immigration Fraud; Top Secret Army clearance):

- DOJ Press Release on Convictions (Added 2/4/08) In February 2008, Brandywine, Maryland residents Mohammad Amin Doudzai and Nadia Naeem were convicted of conspiracy to obstruct, and obstruction of, proceedings before a United States agency, immigration fraud and false statements. Doudzai, a civilian employee with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, had held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance, until it was suspended during the investigation. Doudzai and Naeem were married but, on a security clearance form, Doudzai described himself as "never married." Naeem had filed documents with the INS "seeking to have Nabi Nabil, age 30, also born in Kabul, Afghanistan, enter the country as a refugee, based upon the claim that Naeem and Nabil were married in Pakistan in 2000." In fact, "according to trial testimony, there is an extremely high probability that...Nabil and Naeem are siblings."

- Judgment: Nabi Nabil (Added 2/4/08) In January 2008, Nabi Nabil received 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.

• United States v. Ghassan Elashi et al. (Financial transactions with a Specially Designated Terrorist):

- DOJ Press Release on Convictions I (Added 2/17/08) In July 2004, Ghassan Elashi, Bayan Elashi, Basman Elashi, Hazim Elashi, Ihsan Elashi, and their computer company Infocom were convicted for conspiring to violate the Export Administration Regulations and the Libyan Sanctions Regulations. The Elashi brothers were also convicted of conspiracy to file false Shipper's Export Declaration forms.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 2/17/08) According to prosecutors, Hamas leader and Specially Designated Terrorist Mousa Abu "Marzook entered into a Murabaha agreement, or an Islamic contract, to invest $250,000 in the name of Marzook's wife, Nadia Elashi...The agreement, reached in or around March 1993, called for regular payments from Infocom based on the company's net profit/loss."

- DOJ Press Release on Convictions II (Added 2/17/08) In April 2005, Bayan, Ghassan, Basman and Infocom were convicted of engaging in prohibited financial transactions with a Specially Designated Terrorist (Marzook) and conspiring to commit money laundering.

• United States v. Ali Khalil Elreda et al. (Operation "Bell Bottoms" counterfeiting case):

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment In November 2007, federal authorities announced the arrest of twelve people on an array of charges, including narcotics trafficking, selling counterfeit goods and crimes designed to conceal large sums of cash from authorities. According to DOJ, the arrests were "the result of a two-year investigation into criminal conduct in and around clothing stores in the Los Angeles area. The investigation focused on the activities of Ali Khalil Elreda, his siblings and his associates. During the investigation, law enforcement...seized 30 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit clothing." Additionally, "during the investigation $123,000 was seized from Ali Elreda, who was attempting to smuggle these funds out of the United States inside a child’s toy."

- Versace v. Elreda et al.: Judgment (Added 4/21/08) This case stemmed from violations of Versace trademarks.

• United States v. Mohamad Elzahabi (Fraudulent immigration docs; lying to federal agents; jihadist ties):

- Indictment (Possession of Fraudulent Immigration Documents) According to the indictment, "on or about September 6, 2001, in Ramsey County, in the State and District of Minnesota...Elzahabi, did knowingly...possess...a 'green card'...knowing such [a] document had previously been procured by means of a false claim and statement..."

- Trial Brief: Immigration Fraud According to this filing, "El Zahabi entered into a marriage with Kathy Ann Glant in 1984, without any intent to enter a life together and simply to allow El Zahabi to obtain his alien registration receipt card (also commonly known as a green card). El Zahabi admitted to Special Agents Samit and O’Leary that the marriage was simply done to allow him to obtain an alien registration receipt card and not with any intention of living with Kathy Ann Buckheit. Further, Buckheit will testify that El Zahabi promised to pay her $5,000 for entering into the marriage so that he could receive his green card."

- DOJ Press Release on Conviction (Immigration Fraud) In August 2007, Elzahabi was convicted of possessing fraudulent immigration documents.

- Superseding Indictment (False Statements to the FBI) In July 2004, Elzahabi was indicted on two charges of making false statements to the FBI. DOJ noted that "Elzahabi allegedly attended a jihad military training camp and fought in Afghanistan in 1988 and 1989.  Later, he acted as a sniper in combat and also served as an instructor in small arms and sniper skills for other jihadists attending the Khalden training camp in Afghanistan."

- DOJ Press Release on Superseding Indictment (False Statements to the FBI)

- Elzahabi Voluntary Statement Elzahabi acknowledged that he has talked with the FBI on his own volition and has "been staying in a nice room at a hotel in downtown Minneapolis."

- Motion to Compel Attorney for Government to Immediately Disclose Evidence Favorable to Defendant Concerning Raed Hijazi DOJ alleged that Elzahabi "falsely stated to the FBI that he had not assisted [Al-Qaida operative Raed] Hijazi obtain the drivers license and had not allowed Hijazi to use the defendant’s own address." In fact, according to the government, he allowed Hijazi "to falsely use the defendant’s address as his own, by transporting [Hijazi] to the examination facility and by facilitating [Hijazi’s] eventual physical receipt of the license.”

- Position of the United States with Regards to Sentencing (Added 3/14/08) Convicted in August 2007 for immigration fraud in Minnesota federal court, Mohamad Elzahabi has already been linked to jihadist activities in prosecution filings and statements. For instance, according to DOJ, "Elzahabi allegedly attended a jihad military training camp and fought in Afghanistan in 1988 and 1989.  Later, he acted as a sniper in combat and also served as an instructor in small arms and sniper skills for other jihadists attending the Khalden training camp in Afghanistan." A prosecution document, laying out the government's sentencing recommendation, provides even more details: "It is also believed that he functioned as a repacker and reshipper to Abdullah Al-Malki, an al Qaeda procurement official, when living in New York in approximately 1995-96..." Al-Malki is a Canadian/Syrian national, who was held in Syria on suspicion of terrorist ties before being released.

• United States v. Foad Farahi (Immigration violations; investigated for terror ties):

- Deportation Notice (Added 7/30/08) In October 2002, DHS informed Foad Farahi, the Imam at the Shamsuddin Islamic Center in North Miami Beach, Florida, that he was deportable because he is an Iranian citizen who overstayed his F-1 student visa.

- Order Granting Voluntary Departure (Added 7/30/08) Farahi was granted voluntary departure in lieu of removal.

- Farahi v. USA: Petition and Complaint (Added 7/30/08) Farahi sought an order granting his release from detention pending final determination of his removal proceedings.

- Decision on Motion to Reopen Proceedings (Added 7/30/08) According to this filing, Farahi stated "that DHS had advised him that he would be detained as soon as the hearing was over if relief was not granted and that he possibly might be subjected to prosecution as a terrorist if he refused to take the offer of thirty (30) days voluntary departure." Farahi's motion to reopen proceedings was denied by an Immigration judge.

• United States v. Moneer Farhat (Felon in possession of a firearm; JTTF probe):

- Indictment (Added 7/28/08) In August 2007, Pennsylvania prosecutors indicted Moneer Farhat, charging him with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, an Intratec, Model AB-10, 9 mm. semiautomatic pistol, and aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee during the purchase of the firearm. The case was investigated by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 7/28/08)

- Order Denying Bail (Added 7/28/08) In denying Farhat bail, the judge noted that he has "extensive ties overseas. The defendant reports that he owns two residences in Palestine and a condominium in Jordan; that he has an ex-wife and three children living in Israel, and another wife or ex-wife and child living in Jordan. He reported that he travels for extended periods of [time]...outside the United States."

• United States v. Baktash Fattahi et al. (Exporting military aircraft parts to Iran):

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 4/7/09) A federal grand jury in Miami indicted Baktash Fattahi, an Iranian national and legal U.S. resident, along with ten others, on charges of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the U.S. Iran Embargo, and the Arms Export Control Act for their participation in a conspiracy to export U.S.-made military aircraft parts to Iran. According to DOJ, "the defendants conspired to and did export thirteen different types of aircraft parts designated as defense articles on the USML from the United States to Iran by way of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Among the aircraft parts the defendants are alleged to have obtained and illegally shipped to buyers in Iran are parts for the F-5 ('Tiger') Fighter Jet, the Bell AH-1 ('Cobra') Attack Helicopter, the CH-53 Military Helicopter, the F-14 ('Tomcat') Fighter Jet, and the UH-1 ('Huey') Military Helicopter."

• United States v. Iyman Faris (Material support to Al-Qaida):

- Criminal Information (Added 2/27/08) On May 1, 2003, Iyman Faris (a.k.a. Mohammed Rauf), a Columbus, Ohio truck driver and naturalized U.S. citizen, was indicted for providing material support to Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Guilty Plea (Added 12/20/07) Faris pled guilty in June 2003. On behalf of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Faris scouted the Brooklyn Bridge for a possible attack. According to court documents, in late 2002, Faris “traveled to New York City. After examining the...bridge, he concluded that the plot to destroy the bridge by severing the cables was very unlikely to succeed because of the bridge’s security and structure." Moreover, the Department of Justice alleges that Faris, “along with coconspirators...initiated a plot to blow up a Columbus area shopping mall…"

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 12/20/07) Faris was sentenced to twenty years in prison in October 2003.

- Director of National Intelligence Biography of Majid Khan (Added 7/29/08) The Director of National Intelligence asserted that Majid Khan, currently held at Guantanamo Bay, "recommended to KSM [Khalid Sheikh Mohammed] that Iyman Faris...be tasked for an al-Qa'ida operation."

- Department of Defense Evidence Summary: Majid Khan (Added 7/29/08) According to DOD, "In mid-2001, Iyman Faris (Faris) had dinner and spent the night at the detainee’s family residence in Baltimore, Maryland. Faris stated during this visit the detainee spoke to him about the fighting and struggle in Afghanistan. On a subsequent visit the detainee told Faris he met Khalid Shaykh Mohammed (KSM) in Pakistan and referred to KSM as his uncle. The detainee told Faris of his desire to martyr himself against President Musharaff of Pakistan by detonating a vest of explosives inside a building."

- Verbatim Transcript of Combatant Status Review Tribunal Hearing for Majid Khan (Added 7/29/08) This document includes a transcript of an interview with Iyman Faris, who Khan sought to use as a witness.

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "KSM's Brooklyn Bridge Plot"

- NEFA Foundation "Target: America" Report "The Columbus Mall Plot"

• United States v. Michael Finton (Bomb plot targeting Springfield, IL federal buildings):

- Complaint (Added 9/28/09) Michael Finton (a.k.a. “Talib Islam") was charged in connection with a plot to detonate a vehicle bomb at the federal building in Springfield, Ill. According to the DOJ, "In his alleged efforts to carry out the plot, Finton ultimately dealt with undercover FBI agents and confidential sources who continuously monitored his activities up to the time of the arrest. Further, in his alleged efforts, Finton drove a vehicle containing inactive explosives to the Paul Findley Federal Building and Courthouse in Springfield and attempted to detonate them..."  Finton, who "idolized" "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh, traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2008 and also "expressed his desire to receive military training and to travel to Gaza or other overseas locations to become a jihadist fighter." He further "expressed his desire to receive military training at a camp and to fight in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia or other locations."

- DOJ Press Release on Complaint (Added 9/28/09)

- Indictment (Added 11/0209) Finton was indicted in October 2009 and charged with attempted murder of a federal officer or employee and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction (explosives) against property owned by the United States.

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 11/02/09)

• United States v. Adam Gadahn (Treason; material support to Al-Qaida):

- Indictment (Added 12/20/07) In October 2006, a federal grand jury in California indicted Adam Gadahn, also known as Azzam al-Amriki or Azzam the American, for committing treason and providing material support to Al-Qaida "for making a series of propaganda videotapes" for the terror group. DOJ points out that "Gadahn is the first person to be charged with treason against the United States since the World War II era."

- DOJ Press Release on Indictment (Added 12/20/07)

- Transcript of DOJ Press Conference Announcing Indictment (Added 12/20/07) Debra Wong Yong, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, commented at an October 2006 press conference in Washington D.C.: "As demonstrated in the series of five videotapes that are described in the indictment, Gadahn has become the trusted ally and associate of al Qaeda's leaders, serving as the terrorist group's spokesperson and advocate. By aligning himself with al Qaeda, by moving overseas to be closer to al Qaeda's base and leadership, and by joining and advocating al Qaeda's terrorist agenda, an agenda that includes the overthrow of the United States government and the murder of American citizens, Adam Gadahn has committed treason against the United States of America."

- FBI Press Release on Indictment (Added 7/30/08) FBI Executive Assistant Director Willie Hulon said, "Gadahn is considered a high value target, which puts him high on the FBI's radar screen...This intense exposure limits Gadahn's operational ability, but he still poses a different kind of threat as a communicator for al-Qaeda."

- OSD Writers Group; Office of Public Affairs; The Pentagon: "Portrait of an Extremist" (Added 7/30/08) This DOD summary includes a section titled "In His Own Words."

- FBI: May 2004 BOLO (Added 7/30/08) As the FBI explained in this press release, "On May 26, Director Mueller and Attorney General Ashcroft held a press conference to call renewed attention to 7 individuals we believe pose a real and present danger to U.S. interests around the world--perhaps most especially this summer and fall, a time of high profile public events that may well serve as a lightening rod to terroristattacks." Gadahn was one of those individuals.

- Summary of May 2004 BOLO Press Conference (Added 7/30/08) This article, posted on the State Department website, summarized remarks by FBI Director Robert Mueller. Mueller alleged that Gadahn "is associated with Abu Zubaydah in Pakistan and attended training camps in Afghanistan."

- FBI: Seeking Information (Added 7/30/08) The FBI stated, "Adam Yahiye Gadahn is being sought in connection with possible terrorist threats against the United States. Although the FBI has no information indicating this individual is connected to any specific terrorist activities, the FBI would like to locate and question this person."

- FBI: Seeking Information re: 'Azzam the American (Added 7/30/08) In October 2004, the FBI issued a press release that noted, "We are urgently seeking information on the identity of the person pictured here - a self-proclaimed American jihadist using the alias 'Azzam the American, aka 'Azzam Al-Amriki."

- FBI: Most Wanted Terrorists (Added 7/30/08) The FBI added Gadahn to its Most Wanted terrorists list.

- Rewards for Justice: Wanted Page (Added 7/30/08) There is up to a $1 million reward for Gadahn.

- Adam Gadahn: "Becoming Muslim" (Added 7/30/08) Gadahn wrote, "As I began reading English translations of the Qur'an, I became more and more convinced of the truth and authenticity of Allah's teachings contained in those 114 chapters. Having been around Muslims in my formative years, I knew well that they were not the bloodthirsty, barbaric terrorists that the news media and the televangelists paint them to be. Perhaps this knowledge led me to continue my personal research further than another person would have. I can't say when I actually decided that Islam was for me. It was really a natural progression. In any case, last week [November 1995 - ed.] I went to the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove and told the brother in charge of the library I wanted to be a Muslim. He gave me some excellent reading material, and last Friday I took Shahada [accepted the creed of Islam -ed.] in front of a packed masjid. I have spent this week learning to perform Salat and reflecting on the greatness of Allah. It feels great to be a Muslim! Subhaana rabbiyal 'azeem!"

- Transcript of Interview with 'Azzam the American (Added 7/30/08) In this video, Gadahn was asked, "You are an American who has joined a movement for waging war on America and killing large numbers of Americans. Don't you in any way feel you are betraying your people and country?" Gadahn responded, "First of all, the allegiance and loyalty of a Muslim is to Allah, his Messenger, his religion and his fellow believers before anyone and anything else. So, if there is a conflict between his religion and his nation and family, then he must choose the religion every time."

• United States v. Shahrazad Mir Gholikhan (Attempting to export night vision goggles to Iran):

- Indictment (Added 3/7/09) Shahrazad Mir Gholikhan was indicted in Florida in December 2005 for attempting to export night vision goggles to Iran. She was arrested after a DHS/ICE undercover investigation.

- Superseding Indictment (Added 3/7/09) This superseding indictment was filed in April 2008.

- Statement of Facts (Added 3/7/09) As this document explains, "On November 24, 2004, SHAHRAZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN faxed the confidential source information indicating she and SEIF would be in Vienna, Austria from November 29, 2004 to December 2, 2004 and would be staying at the Le Meridien Hotel. On November 29, 2004, SHAHRAZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN and Mahmoud SEIF traveled to Vienna, Austria and checked into a room at the Le Meridien Hotel. SHAHRZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN assumed the identity of Farideh FAHIMI during this transaction. On November 30, 2004, SEIF and SHAHRAZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN met with the DHS/ICE confidential source and the undercover officer from the Austrian BVT Police at a hotel in downtown Vienna, Austria. Officers of the Austrian BVT Police recorded the meeting. During the meeting, they discussed
the purchase of a sample pair of night vision goggles and provided the confidential source with a shopping list of equipment they wanted to purchase. At the conclusion of the meeting, SEIF and SHAHRAZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN departed the hotel and were arrested by the Austrian Police after they took possession of the night vision goggles. Both subjects were subsequently questioned by the Austrian Police. SEIF stated that the woman arrested with him was not Farideh FAHIMI but SHAHRZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN, his former wife. He stated that SHAHRAZAD MIR GHOLIKHAN assumed FAHIMI'S identity during the transaction. SEIF stated that the real FAHIMI is an employee of his company in Tehran."

- Exhibit: Farideh Fahimi (Added 3/7/09) This exhibit shows Gholikhan used the alias Farideh Fahimi.

- Exhibit: Shopping List w. Prices (Added 3/7/09) This exhibit shows Fahimi received a fax with the prices of items she wished to purchase.

- Letter to President Obama (Added 3/7/09) Gholikhan pled for assistance from President Obama in this letter.

- Judgment (Added 3/7/09) In December 2008, Gholikhan was convicted on three charges, including attempting to facilitate the shipment of 3,500 pairs of Generation III night goggles to Iran. She was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison in March 2009.

• United States v. Wagdy Mohamed Ghoneim (Immigration violations; possibly supporting terror groups):

- ICE Press Release on Departure (Added 4/8/08) This January 2005 ICE press release announced that Wagdy Mohamed Ghoneim, "an Egyptian national who served as an imam at the Islamic Institute of Orange County departed the United States Monday evening...Ghoneim, 53, agreed to leave the country voluntarily rather than face the possibility of a formal removal order from an immigration judge. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrested Ghoneim at his Anaheim residence in November and charged him with violating his immigration status. During the ensuing proceedings, Ghoneim admitted to the charges. Following his arrest, ICE held Ghoneim without bond because of concerns his past speeches and participation in fund raising activities could be supportive of terrorist organizations, including Hamas. Under the agreement reached with ICE and the immigration courts, Ghoneim departed the United States and traveled to Qatar."

- "Home Office Name Hate Promoters Excluded from the UK" (Added 5/7/09) The U.K. Home Office has "named and shamed" "individuals banned from the UK for stirring-up hatred." According to the Home Office, "In the period from 28 October 2008 to 31 March 2009 the Home Secretary excluded a total of 22 individuals from coming to the United Kingdom. It is not considered to be in the public interest to disclose the names of six of these individuals. The remaining 16 individuals" include Wagdy Ghoneim, who is "considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glory terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and to provoke others to commit terrorist acts."

• United States v. Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Ghorab (Immigration violation; JTTF probe):

- ICE Press Release on Deportation (Added 7/28/08) This December 8, 2005 ICE press release stated, "Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Ghorab, a 47-year-old citizen of Egypt, was returned from the United States to his native Egypt this morning by ICE Detention and Removal Operations officers. Ghorab, the Imam of the Ansaar Allah Islamic Society in Philadelphia, first entered the United States on March 29, 2000 on a business visitor (B-1) visa via New York, N.Y. On March 25, 2003, ICE agents assigned to the Philadelphia Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) arrested Ghorab and placed him into deportation proceedings for violating the terms of his visa. The following month, an Immigration Judge allowed Ghorab to be released from custody after he posted a $50,000 bond. On February 23, 2004, an Immigration Judge ordered that Ghorab be removed from the country, prompting an appeal by Ghorab to the Board of Immigration Appeals. On May 27, 2004, ICE agents assigned to the Philadelphia JTTF took Ghorab back into custody for violating the terms of his bond. On the same day, Internal Revenue Service agents, along with agents from ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, executed criminal search warrants at the Ansaar Allah Islamic Society facility, at Ghorab's home, and at another location in Philadelphia."

- Third Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion (Added 7/28/08) On November 30, 2005, the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dissolved Ghorab's stay of removal. The ruling noted that "Ghorab attached an affidavit in which he made the following claims: he is a member of Dawaa Salafia, a peaceful Islamic sect; Egyptian police took control of his mosque and gave it to their government prior to his arrival in the United States; police had interrogated him on numerous occasions for periods of up to one week; Egyptian national security imprisoned twenty-four sect members in November 2002 and the leader of the sect in December 2002; the Egyptian government detained the sect leader for a lengthy period of time without filing charges; and he and members of the sect had been arrested and harassed by Egyptian police allegedly for being terrorists."

• United States v. Yahya Goba et al. (Lackawanna Six; material support to Al-Qaida):

- Affidavit of FBI Special Agent Edward Needham (Added 12/14/07) Needham wrote that Lackawanna, New York resident Sahim Alwan stated during a September 2002 interview that "he and his friends had attended terrorist training in Afghanistan when they went to the Middle East in the spring/summer, 2001." Needham adds, "during the course of the training, the attendees were given instruction in the use of firearms. The training was scheduled to last seven weeks. While at the training camp, in approximately the second week, USAMA BIN LADEN visited the camp and spoke to all of the trainees. USAMA BIN LADEN gave a speech about the alliance of the Islamic Jihad and al Qaeda, espousing anti-United States and anti-Israel statements." Alwan, Yahya Goba, Shafal Mosed, Yasein Taher, and Faysal Galab were all indicted for providing material support to terrorists.

- DOJ Press Release on Galab Guilty Plea (Added 4/9/08) In January 2002, Faysal Galab pled guilty to providing goods and services to Usama bin Laden and al Qaeda.

- DOJ Press Release on Alwan Guilty Plea (Added 4/9/08) In April 2003, Sahim Alwan pled guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Alwan Sentencing (Added 4/9/08) In December 2003, Sahim Alwan was sentenced to nine and a half years in jail.

- DOJ Press Release on Mosed Guilty Plea (Added 4/9/08) In March 2003, Shafal Mosed pled guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Goba Guilty Plea (Added 12/14/07) In March 2003, DOJ announced that Yahya Goba pled guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida. 

- Government Motion to Reduce Goba's Sentence (Added 12/14/07) Seeking to reduce Goba's sentence by one year, federal prosecutors wrote that "Goba provided information, including testimony (either in trial or preliminary proceedings), in United States v. Sami al Hussayen (D. Idaho), United States v. Mohammad al-Moayad and Mohammad Zayed (E.D.N.Y.), and Crown v. Jack Thomas (Australian prosecution)." Further, testimony in the Thomas "was in connection with a foreign Government" and thus "was not required by the terms of the initial plea agreement."

- Order Reducing Goba's Sentence by 12 Months (Added 12/14/07) A judge granted the government's motion, reducing Goba's sentence by twelve months.

- DOJ Press Release on al-Bakri Guilty Plea (Added 4/9/08) In May 2003, Mukhtar al-Bakri pled guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Taher Guilty Plea (Added 4/9/08) In May 2003, Yasein Taher pled guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Elbaneh Indictment (Added 4/9/08) In May 2003, Jaber Elbaneh of Lackawanna, N.Y. was charged with conspiring with the six defendants and others to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, based on their attendance at an Al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist training camp. Elbaneh was believed to be abroad when the charges were unsealed.

- FBI Most Wanted: Jaber Elbaneh (Added 4/9/08) This document notes that Elbaneh has worked as a salesman and a taxi driver.

- FBI Press Release: Elbaneh Escape from Prison (Added 4/9/08) After Elbaneh escaped from Yemeni custody, the FBI issued this press release.

- DOJ Press Release on al-Bakri Sentencing (Added 4/9/08) In December 2003, Mukhtar al-Bakri was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

- NYPD Case Study on the Radicalization of the "Lackawanna Six" (Added 4/9/08) This analysis notes that "Kamal Derwish served as both a catalyst and a spiritual sanctioner for the Lackawana cluster’s progression into this stage. Upon his return to Lackawana from Yemen in 1998, Derwish, described as 'a card carrying member of al-Qaeda,' held private meetings at his apartment for small groups of young men following evening prayers. These meetings, with extremist agendas, became popular—drawing as many as 20 regular attendees of males in their late teens and early 20’s."

- NYPD: The Radicalization Trajectory of the "Lackawanna Six" (Added 4/9/08) This document charts the radicalization trajectory of the "Lackawanna Six."

- NYPD Timeline on the Radicalization of the "Lackawanna Six" (Added 4/9/08) This document is a timeline of the radicalization of the "Lackawanna Six."

- Statement of Michael Battle Before the U.S. Senate (Added 4/9/08) Testifying before the U.S. Senate, Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and Homeland Security, Michael Battle -- U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York -- spoke about the importance of the Pretrial Detention and Lifetime Supervision of Terrorists Act of 2003, S. 1606 in light of his office's experience with the "Lackawanna Six" prosecution.

• United States v. Ronald Allen Grecula (Attempting to provide material support to Al-Qaida):

- Complaint (Added 4/19/08) On May 20, 2005, Ronald Allen Grecula of Bangor, Pennsylvania was arrested in Houston, Texas on charges of attempting to provide material support to Al-Qaida. According to the prosecution, "in April 2005, through approximately May 20, 2005, Ronald Allen Grecula, negotiated with a confidential source, and later undercover officers, to build and sell an explosive device to terrorists groups targeting the United States. Beginning on May 11, 2005, while working under supervision of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Houston, the confidential source recorded several telephone calls where Grecula discussed his willingness and ability to build and sell a powerful explosive device." Then, "on May 20, 2005, Grecula traveled to Houston, Texas, and attended a one-hour meeting with the undercover agents during which he indicated that he was willing and able to build and sell an explosive device to a group he believed was affiliated with Al-Qaida. The device was to be used against Americans."

- DOJ Press Release on Arrest (Added 4/19/08)

- Indictment (Added 4/19/08) In June 2005, Grecula was indicted on one count of attempting to providing material support to Al-Qaida.

- Superceding Indictment (Added 4/19/08) In August 2006, Grecula was indicted on a drug charge as well.

- Plea Agreement (Added 4/19/08) In September 2006, Grecula pled guilty to charges of attempting to provide material support and resources to Al-Qaida.

- DOJ Press Release on Guilty Plea (Added 4/19/08)

- Affidavit of Ronald Allen Grecula (Added 4/19/08) In this letter, Grecula denied "that the following corporations exist," to include "United States...Secret Service...Department of Justice..."

- DOJ Press Release on Sentencing (Added 4/19/08) In February 2007, Grecula was sentenced to five years in prison.

• United States v. Madhatta Haipe (Armed kidnapping of 16 in the Philippines):

- DOJ Press Release on Extradition (Added 9/08/09) DOJ announced that Madhatta Haipe, a citizen of the Philippines, was extradited from the Philippines to stand trial in the District of Columbia. As DOJ noted, “The indictment alleges that…Haipe, also known as Commander Haipe, led a group of armed individuals on Dec. 27, 1995 in the kidnapping of 16 individuals, including four U.S. citizens, in the rugged area around Trankini Falls, Mindanao Island, in the Philippines. Haipe, who was a Professor of Islamic Studies at Mindanao State University, and his well-armed group of unidentified co-conspirators allegedly made threats to kill all the hostages if any of them attempted to escape…Several hostages were released to facilitate the payment of the ransom. Those released were threatened that the other hostages would be killed if there was any military action taken against the hostage takers in an effort to free the hostages. Between Dec. 27 and Dec. 31, 1995, the hostages were released as the kidnappers allegedly collected ransoms of one million pesos (about US $38,000 in 1995) and 500,000 pesos (about US $19,000 in 1995).” Haipe reportedly belonged to Abu Sayyaf.

• United States v. Zayead Christopher Hajaig & Rabea Hajaig (Suspicious flight training; alien in possession of firearms; marriage fraud; JTTF probe):

- Indictment (Added 7/29/08) In April 2005, Hajaig was indicted in Atlanta for being an alien in possession of a firearm. 

- DOJ Press Release on ndictment (Added 7/29/08) As DOJ explained, "the case is being investigated by members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force which is located at the FBI. In the initial stages of the investigation, U.S. citizens alerted Hajaig to the fact that agents had been inquiring of his whereabouts. Hajaig, upon learning of the inquiries, immediately fled the country and is currently a fugitive." Providing additional background, The Times Online explained, "Zayead Christopher Hajaig, 35, had been taking lessons at the same airport outside Atlanta, Georgia’s capital, where two of the September 11 hijackers briefly trained, according to the FBI. The Atlanta Joint Terrorism Task Force issued a special bulletin to police and flight schools this week after it received reports from the school that Mr Hajaig became hostile while trying to upgrade his pilot’s license. Authorities believe Mr Hajaig, a British citizen who was born in Nigeria, was in the United States illegally."

- Superseding Indictment (Added 7/29/08) In July 2005, Hajaig was indicted in Atlanta on additional charges of being an alien in possession of a firearm.

- Indictment (Added 7/29/08) In March 2006, Rabea and Christoper Hajaig were indicted for marriage fraud and making a false statement.

- Judgment: Rabea Hajaig (Added 7/29/08) Rabea Hajaig was sentenced to 3 months and ten days in prison. There is no indication in court records that Christopher Hajaig has returned to the U.S. to face the charges, though he was arrested in England in April 2005 and released on bail.

• United States v. Abdel-Jabbar Hamdan (HLF fundraiser):

- ICE Press Release (Added 2/17/08) This ICE document notes that "on February 8, 2005, a U.S. Immigration Judge ordered that a Jordanian national who served as a key fund-raiser for an organization suspected of funneling money to the terrorist group Hamas must leave the United States...The judge’s finding was based upon evidence presented by ICE that Hamdan knew or should have known that his fund-raising activities provided material support to a terrorist organization. During Hamdan’s immigration hearings, ICE attorneys introduced videotapes, as well as excerpts from his past speeches and writings. In her decision, the Immigration Judge commented specifically on the videotapes, which depicted the 44-year-old standing in front of a Hamas flag while asking for money. In the videotape there is a call for Jihad, and praise for martyrdom and bloodletting. The judge found that this contradicted Hamdan’s defense that he did not know the money was intended for Hamas. From 1990, until the Dallas-based Holy Land Foundation was shut down by the federal government, Hamdan served as the primary spokesperson and fund-raiser for the organization in Southern California. Hamdan was arrested by ICE agents on July 27, 2004 and placed in immigration proceedings. He was charged with violating the terms of his student visa and living in the United States without valid immigration documents."

• United States v. Amjad Mustafa Hamed et al. (Visa fraud; illegal firearms):

- Affidavit of FBI Special Agent Peter Ashooh (Added 11/27/08) In an affidavit filed in federal court in Virginia, FBI Special Agent Peter Ashooh -- who notes that he "investigate[s] terrorism matters" -- summarized the investigation of Amjad Hamed (lawful permanent resident), Hamed's brother Akram Salih (U.S. citizen), and their cousin Ibrahim Hamed (lawful permanent resident). Ashooh determined that "from in and around April 2006 to in and around August 2006, Amjad Hamed attempted to fraudulently obtain U.S. visas from CS-1 [a confidential source] for the entry into the United States by six foreign co-conspirators." Hamed "provided CS-1 with six valid Palestinian Authority passports and requested that CS-1 obtain U.S. visas for the entry of six of Amjad Hamed's associates..." During the discussion, Hamed commented, "I challenge anyone in the world who can bring so many passports without being inspected." He added, "I was the director for the 17th Security Forces headquarters that was responsible for the president's army. I used to arrange everything. Even Yasir Arafat." Hamed further noted that "three of the six passports belonged to persons who had been arrested by the Israeli government" and "that he had been jailed in Israel on three separate ocassions." Later, Hamed "described a method for covert communication that Israeli intelligence could not decipher." Then, between May and June 2007, "Hamed sold CS-1, a convicted felon, three firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number." He also indicated he could provide an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a fully automatic M-16 assault rifle, a missile, and a missile launcher. Talking about the missile, Hamed said that "if you want you can reach the Pentagon." During a subsequent discussion about guns, "Ibrahim Hamed added that if he knew that they were Hizballah, Ibrahim Hamed would have gotten CS-1 'the newest shit' where you can 'turn it from a hand gun to a machine gun.'"

- Information - Amjad Hamed (Added 11/27/08) Amjad Hamed was charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and conspiracy to transport illegal firearms in November 2008.

- Plea Agreement - Amjad Hamed (Added 11/27/08) Hamed pled guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud and conspiracy to transport illegal firearms in November 2008.

- Statement of Facts - Amjad Hamed (Added 11/27/08) This document echoes the facts laid out in the Ashooh affidavit.

- Information - Ibrahim Hamed (Added 11/27/08) Ibrahim Hamed was charged with conspiracy to transport illegal firearms in November 2008.

- Plea Agreement - Ibrahim Hamed (Added 11/27/08) Hamed pled guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal firearms in November 2008.

- Statement of Facts - Ibrahim Hamed (Added 11/27/08) This document echoes the facts laid out in the Ashooh affidavit.