Lebanese-Colombian national Ali Mohamad Saleh is a U.S.-designated terrorist and Hezbollah financier. According to the U.S. government, Saleh has directed and coordinated Hezbollah activity in Colombia, where he launders money in order to finance the terror group. He has reportedly led a Hezbollah “support cell” in Maicao, Colombia, which solicits donations for Hezbollah and coordinates the transfer of funds to Lebanon via Venezuela. Saleh maintains communication with suspected Hezbollah operatives in Venezuela, Germany, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.“Treasury Targets Major Money Laundering Network Linked to Drug Trafficker Ayman Joumaa and a Key Hizballah Supporter in South America,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 27, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1624.aspx;
Jamie Crawford, “U.S. targets terrorist fundraisers in South America,” CNN, June 27, 2012, http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/27/u-s-targets-terrorist-fundraisers-in-south-america/;
Samuel Rubenfeld, “Treasury Targets Drug-Money Laundering Network, Hezbollah Fundraiser,” Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2012, http://blogs.wsj.com/corruption-currents/2012/06/27/treasury-targets-drug-money-laundering-network-hezbollah-fundraiser/.

The U.S. Treasury designated Saleh as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on June 27, 2012, for providing financial support to Hezbollah. The U.S. previously sanctioned Saleh on December 29, 2011, under the Kingpin Act, a federal law that targets the financial networks of narcotics traffickers. The designation came as a result of Saleh’s reported role as a money launderer for the “Cheaitelly/El Khansaan” criminal organization, associated with a Hezbollah-linked drug network.“Treasury Targets Major Money Laundering Network Linked to Drug Trafficker Ayman Joumaa and a Key Hizballah Supporter in South America,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 27, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1624.aspx;
Jamie Crawford, “U.S. targets terrorist fundraisers in South America,” CNN, June 27, 2012, http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/27/u-s-targets-terrorist-fundraisers-in-south-america/;
Samuel Rubenfeld, “Treasury Targets Drug-Money Laundering Network, Hezbollah Fundraiser,” Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2012, http://blogs.wsj.com/corruption-currents/2012/06/27/treasury-targets-drug-money-laundering-network-hezbollah-fundraiser/.

Ali Muhammad Brown is an American Islamic extremist responsible for four 2014 murders that he claimed were to take “vengeance” against U.S. policy in the Middle East.Sara Jean Green, “Seattle man on ‘jihad’ pleads guilty to murder in New Jersey, admits to 3 other homicides in King County,” Seattle Times, March 7, 2018, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/seattle-man-on-jihad-pleads-guilty-to-murder-in-new-jersey-admits-to-3-other-homicides-in-king-county/; “COPS: Self-styled jihadist admits to killing 4 people, calls it ‘vengeance’ for U.S. actions in Mideast,” Q13 Fox, August 20, 2014, http://q13fox.com/2014/08/20/police-man-admits-to-4-murders-calls-them-vengeance-for-u-s-actions-in-mideast/. Prior to the murders, Brown wrote in his journal that he intended to “follow” ISIS and “learn proper ways of jihadi training.”Ben Finley, “Prosecutor: Seattle man charged with killing 4 was on terrorism watch list,” Seattle Times, January 20, 2016, www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/hearing-set-for-seattle-man-charged-in-nj-murder-terrorism-case/. Brown is also believed to have supplied funds to the Somali-based terror group al-Shabaab, and was on a federal terrorism watch list.Chris Ingalls, “Seattle murder suspect tied to former terrorism ring,” King 5 News, August 20, 2014, https://web.archive.org/web/20141216023957/http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2014/08/20/shumpert-ali-muhammad-brown/14361609. In November of 2016 he was sentenced to 36 ½ years in prison for armed robbery and weapons charges,Bill Wichert, “Accused Brendan Tevlin killer gets lengthy prison term in armed robbery,” NJ.com, January 20, 2016, www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/01/accused_brendan_tevlin_killer_gets_lengthy_prison.html. and in April 2018 he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder. Both convictions were in New Jersey.David Porter, “Former Seattle Man Who Admitted 3 Killings Here is Sentenced to Life Without Parole for N.J. Murder,” Seattle Times, May 1, 2018, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/former-seattle-resident-on-jihad-sentenced-to-life-without-parole-for-murder/. Brown was later extradited to Washington, where he faces three further counts of murder.Sara Jean Green, “Man Accused in 2014 ‘Jihad’ Killing Spree Brought Back to Seattle to Face 3 Aggravated Murder Charges,” Seattle Times, October 31, 2019, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/man-accused-in-2014-killing-spree-brought-back-to-seattle-to-face-3-aggravated-murder-charges/. On September 9, 2022, Brown was sentenced to an additional 93 years in prison for three counts of premeditated first-degree murder.Sara Jean Green, “Man already serving life in New Jersey sentenced to 93 years for killing 3 Seattle-area men in 2014,” Seattle Times, September 10, 2022, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/man-already-serving-life-in-new-jersey-sentenced-to-93-years-for-killing-3-seattle-area-men-in-2014/.

Brown was born in the United States in the mid-1980s. At the time of his first killing, he lived in Seattle, Washington, though news reports characterized Brown as “homeless” or “transient.”Ashley Fantz, Pamela Brown and Aaron Cooper, “Police: Seattle man’s hatred of U.S. foreign policy motivated killings,” CNN, September 16, 2014, www.cnn.com/2014/09/16/justice/ali-brown-charges-killing-spree/; Nicole Hensley, “Seattle fugitive suspected of killing two gay men nabbed in New Jersey,” New York Daily News, July 19, 2014, www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/man-sought-seattle-gay-hate-crime-murders-nabbed-new-jersey-article-1.1873190.

Between January 2002 and November 2004, Brown and three other men allegedly committed check fraud in order to fund al-Shabaab. The men deposited fake checks to numerous banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, and withdrew funds before the checks bounced. Christine Clarridge, “Defendant calls four slayings justified, charging papers say,” Seattle Times, August 21, 2014, www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/defendant-calls-four-slayings-justified-charging-papers-say/. Brown was convicted on bank fraud charges, but federal agents were unable to prove the funds ultimately supported terrorism. Ruben Shumpert, the leader of the ring, was absent at his 2006 federal sentencing and is believed to have been killed while fighting for al-Shabaab.Chris Ingalls, “Seattle murder suspect tied to former terrorism ring,” King 5 News, August 20, 2014, https://web.archive.org/web/20141216023957/http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2014/08/20/shumpert-ali-muhammad-brown/14361609. In 2008, Brown was convicted on charges of assault.Christine Clarridge, “Defendant calls four slayings justified, charging papers say,” Seattle Times, August 21, 2014, www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/defendant-calls-four-slayings-justified-charging-papers-say/. In 2012, he was convicted on charges of communication with a minor for immoral purposes and was sentenced to a year in prison.Bill Wichert, “Accused Brendan Tevlin killer gets lengthy prison term in armed robbery,” NJ.com, January 20, 2016, www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/01/accused_brendan_tevlin_killer_gets_lengthy_prison.html.

In April 2014, Brown drove up behind a pedestrian named Leroy Henderson in Skyway, Washington, and shot him 10 times in the back. The two men did not know each other.John K. Pavlovich, “Certification for Determination of Probable Cause,” King County Sherriff’s Office, August 18, 2014, 1, documents.latimes.com/ali-muhammad-brown-says-he-killed-four-men-gain-vengeance-against-us/; “COPS: Self-styled jihadist admits to killing 4 people, calls it ‘vengeance’ for U.S. actions in Mideast,” Q13 Fox, August 20, 2014, q13fox.com/2014/08/20/police-man-admits-to-4-murders-calls-them-vengeance-for-u-s-actions-in-mideast/. On June 1, 2014, Brown, utilizing a dating app, met two gay men, Dwone Anderson-Young and Ahmed Said, at a Seattle gay club.Nicole Hensley, “Seattle fugitive suspected of killing two gay men nabbed in New Jersey,” New York Daily News, July 19, 2014, www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/man-sought-seattle-gay-hate-crime-murders-nabbed-new-jersey-article-1.1873190. The three men returned to the home of one of the victims, and, according to a police report, Brown “executed” them in the street. Later in June, in West Orange, New Jersey, Brown and two suspected co-conspirators drove up next to a car operated by Brendan Tevlin at a traffic light. Brown exited the car and shot Tevlin—whom he did not know—eight times at close range.John K. Pavlovich, “Certification for Determination of Probable Cause,” King County Sherriff’s Office, August 18, 2014, 9, documents.latimes.com/ali-muhammad-brown-says-he-killed-four-men-gain-vengeance-against-us/. Brown made use of fake IDs, camouflage, and disguises to evade the police for nearly a month following the final killing.Bill Wichert, “Accused Brendan Tevlin killer gets lengthy prison term in armed robbery,” NJ.com, January 20, 2016, www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/01/accused_brendan_tevlin_killer_gets_lengthy_prison.html.

As revealed in police interviews after the murders, in spring 2014 Brown felt compelled to act against the United States as vengeance for civilians, particularly children, whom Brown claimed were being killed by the U.S. government in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iran. As Brown later said in a police interview, “[if] a man sees evil then he must take action against that evil.” Brown further admitted in his interview that he sought out adult males unaccompanied by females, children, or the elderly. He referred to these men as “just kills.”John K. Pavlovich, “Certification for Determination of Probable Cause,” King County Sherriff’s Office, August 18, 2014, 6, documents.latimes.com/ali-muhammad-brown-says-he-killed-four-men-gain-vengeance-against-us/.

Following the final murder, Brown robbed two New Jersey men in separate incidents on June 29 and July 10.David Rose, “Double murder suspect wanted in Seattle, Ali Muhammad Brown, arrested in New Jersey,” Q13 Fox, July 18, 2014, q13fox.com/2014/07/18/ali-muhammed-brown-seattle-police-searching-for-double-murder-suspect/; Bill Wichert, “Accused Brendan Tevlin killer gets lengthy prison term in armed robbery,” NJ.com, January 20, 2016, www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/01/accused_brendan_tevlin_killer_gets_lengthy_prison.html. On July 18, police discovered Brown hiding in the woods in a makeshift shelter in West Orange, New Jersey, only a couple hundred yards from the site of the July 10 robbery.Eric Kiefer, “Accused ‘Terrorist’ Convicted Of Armed Robbery In N.J.,” Montclair Patch, November 18, 2015, patch.com/new-jersey/montclair/accused-terrorist-convicted-armed-robbery-nj-0.

In late July 2014, the state of New Jersey charged Brown with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, among others.Eric Kiefer, “Slaying Suspect Maintains Innocence for Unrelated Robbery Charge,” Livingston Patch, March 23, 2015, patch.com/new-jersey/livingston/slaying-suspect-maintains-innocence-unrelated-robbery-charge-0. The state of Washington later charged Brown on three counts of first-degree aggravated murder in August 2014.“NJ student’s accused killer also charged with 3 murders in Wash.,” CBS News, August 21, 2014, www.cbsnews.com/news/new-jersey-students-accused-killer-also-charged-with-three-murders-in-washington/;
Liam Stack, “Man Accused in Killing Is Indicted on Terrorism Charges, a First for New Jersey,” New York Times, July 2, 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/nyregion/man-accused-in-killing-is-indicted-on-terrorism-charges-a-first-for-new-jersey.html?_r=0. In July 2015, Brown was indicted on terrorism charges in New Jersey—making it the first time New Jersey prosecutors used terrorism charges against a defendant in a murder case. Liam Stack, “Man Accused in Killing Is Indicted on Terrorism Charges, a First for New Jersey,” New York Times, July 2, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/nyregion/man-accused-in-killing-is-indicted-on-terrorism-charges-a-first-for-new-jersey.html?_r=0.

In August 2015, Brown pleaded “not guilty” to all charges in New Jersey.Bill Witchert, “Brendan Tevlin executed for being an American, mother says,” NJ.com, August 4, 2015, www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2015/08/brendan_tevlin_executed_for_being_an_american_moth.html#incart_river. In January 2016, a New Jersey court sentenced Brown to 36 ½ years in prison for robbery and weapons charges. On March 6, 2018, Brown  pleaded guilty to Tevlin’s murder  and to the murder of the three men in Seattle.Thomas Moriarty, “Terror-inspired killer admits gunning down Brendan Tevlin, 3 others,” Seattle Times, March 6, 2018, http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2018/03/ali_muhammad_brown_pleads_guilty_in_brendan_tevlin.html. On April 24, 2018, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in New Jersey. At sentencing, Judge Ronald Wigler called Brown’s killing of Tevlin “one of the most heinous, horrific, brutal crimes” he had witnessed in eight years on the bench.David Porter, “Former Seattle Man Who Admitted 3 Killings Here is Sentenced to Life Without Parole for N.J. Murder,” Seattle Times, May 1, 2018, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/former-seattle-resident-on-jihad-sentenced-to-life-without-parole-for-murder/.

On October 30, 2019, Brown was extradited to Washington and booked into King’s County jail, following an executive agreement between the governors of New Jersey and Washington. He faces three charges of aggravated first-degree murder.Sara Jean Green, “Man Accused in 2014 ‘Jihad’ Killing Spree Brought Back to Seattle to Face 3 Aggravated Murder Charges,” Seattle Times, October 31, 2019, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/man-accused-in-2014-killing-spree-brought-back-to-seattle-to-face-3-aggravated-murder-charges/. On November 13, 2019, he pleaded not guilty to all three counts. Once his Washington case is adjudicated, he will be returned to New Jersey to serve his life sentence there.Sara Jean Green, “Man Accused in 2014 ‘Jihad’ Killing Spree Enters Not-Guilty Pleas to 3 Counts of Aggravated First-Degree Murder,” Seattle Times, November 13, 2019, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/man-accused-in-2014-jihad-killing-spree-enters-not-guilty-pleas-to-3-counts-of-aggravated-first-degree-murder/.

A few years later on September 9, 2022, Brown appeared at King County Superior Court in Seattle where he was sentenced to 93 years in prison for three counts of premeditated first-degree murder. Brown will be returned to New Jersey to finish out his sentence.Sara Jean Green, “Man already serving life in New Jersey sentenced to 93 years for killing 3 Seattle-area men in 2014,” Seattle Times, September 10, 2022, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/man-already-serving-life-in-new-jersey-sentenced-to-93-years-for-killing-3-seattle-area-men-in-2014/.

Indonesian citizen Tuah Febriwansyah is a U.S.-designated ISIS propagandist, financier, and recruiter currently imprisoned in Indonesia. The United Nations described Febriwansyah as the leader of an ISIS-aligned organization in Indonesia.“Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm;
Joseph Low, “ISIS in the Pacific: Assessing terrorism in Southeast Asia and the threat to the homeland,” Brookings Institute, April 27, 2016, http://www.brookings.edu/research/testimony/2016/04/27-isis-southeast-asia-liow. He was arrested in March 2015 and charged with terrorism offenses. He is currently serving a five-year sentence.“Indonesians jailed 3-5 years for ISIS support,” Straits Times, February 10, 2016, http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/indonesians-jailed-3-5-years-for-isis-support; “Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm.

In March 2014, Febriwansyah reportedly declared his support for ISIS during a rally outside of the Hotel Indonesia in Jakarta. Febriwansyah had also operated a personal website on which he circulated ISIS videos and news. The website was shut down after his arrest.“Indonesians jailed 3-5 years for ISIS support,” Straits Times, February 10, 2016, http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/indonesians-jailed-3-5-years-for-isis-support;
“Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm. While in custody, Febriwansyah confessed to having known one of the culprits in the January 2016 terrorist attacks in Jakarta that killed four civilians.“Indonesians jailed 3-5 years for ISIS support,” Straits Times, February 10, 2016, http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/indonesians-jailed-3-5-years-for-isis-support.

Syrian-born Amin al-Baroudi is a naturalized U.S. citizen who, over the course of several years, allegedly provided tactical supplies to the Syrian rebel group Ahrar al-Sham, which is tied to al-Qaeda’s former affiliate in Syria, al-Nusra Front.“Syrian-born US citizen Amin al-Baroudi charged with smuggling to militants,” Daily Mail (London), December 7, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3350059/Syrian-born-US-citizen-charged-smuggling-militants.html;
Matt Zapotosky, “Naturalized U.S. citizen accused of arming rebel group in Syria,” Washington Post, December 7, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/naturalized-us-citizen-accused-of-arming-rebel-group-in-syria/2015/12/07/0744edd8-9cfb-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html?postshare=5571449583053040&tid=ss_tw. The FBI arrested al-Baroudi in December 2015.Syrian-born US citizen Amin al-Baroudi charged with smuggling to militants,” Daily Mail (London), December 7, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3350059/Syrian-born-US-citizen-charged-smuggling-militants.html. In January 2016, he pled guilty to multiple charges of conspiring to export U.S.-origin goods from the United States to Syria.“Syrian-born US citizen Amin al-Baroudi charged with smuggling to militants,” Daily Mail (London), December 7, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3350059/Syrian-born-US-citizen-charged-smuggling-militants.html;
“California Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Violate U.S. Sanctions Against Syria,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-pleads-guilty-conspiring-violate-us-sanctions-against-syria.

Al-Baroudi allegedly helped provide riflescopes, tactical vests, night vision goggles, and other military-style gear to Ahrar al-Sham, which aims to establish an Islamic state in Syria.Ben Nuckols, “U.S. citizen charged with smuggling to Islamic militants in Syria,” Military Times, December 7, 2015, http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/12/07/us-citizen-charged-smuggling-islamic-militants-syria/76947178/. From December 2011 to March 2013, al-Baroudi personally delivered the gear and arranged shipments.Matt Zapotosky, “Naturalized U.S. citizen accused of arming rebel group in Syria,” Washington Post, December 7, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/naturalized-us-citizen-accused-of-arming-rebel-group-in-syria/2015/12/07/0744edd8-9cfb-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html?postshare=5571449583053040&tid=ss_tw. Although he was not charged with shipping weaponry, the objects he smuggled were banned from export to Syria because of their potential military use. Ben Nuckols, “U.S. citizen charged with smuggling to Islamic militants in Syria,” Military Times, December 7, 2015, http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/12/07/us-citizen-charged-smuggling-islamic-militants-syria/76947178/;
“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 1, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download.

Al-Baroudi and his unnamed co-conspirators allegedly purchased tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of supplies from American companies, including eBay and Amazon, before traveling to Syria to deliver them.“Syrian-born US citizen Amin al-Baroudi charged with smuggling to militants,” Daily Mail (London), December 7, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3350059/Syrian-born-US-citizen-charged-smuggling-militants.html. A court document states he violated a broad prohibition on exporting goods to Syria.Matt Zapotosky, “Naturalized U.S. citizen accused of arming rebel group in Syria,” Washington Post, December 7, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/naturalized-us-citizen-accused-of-arming-rebel-group-in-syria/2015/12/07/0744edd8-9cfb-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html?postshare=5571449583053040&tid=ss_tw;
“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 1, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download.

In late December 2011, al-Baroudi allegedly spoke to “T.S.”—an alleged Syrian-based co-conspirator with ties to Ahrar al-Sham—about exporting tactical supplies to Syria via flights from the United States to Turkey. On July 17, 2012, an alleged co-conspirator identified as “R.J.” travelled with such supplies from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul. R.J. informed al-Baroudi he had delivered the items to T.S. in Syria.“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 4, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download.

On January 19, 2013, al-Baroudi composed a list of various items alongside their pictures and descriptions, including “3-9x30mm high quality rifle scopes.” Al-Baroudi wrote, “…Proven to be real good in our environment. Sent 100s of them, used in Idlib and Halab very successfully. People loved them and always asking for more. Capable to transfer any decent rifle to sniper rifle.” The document was sent to his alleged co-conspirators.“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 4-5, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download.

Al-Baroudi informed T.S. he planned to travel to Turkey on February 15, 2013, and bring with him approximately $30,000 worth of equipment. On February 8, 2013, al-Baroudi sent T.S. another list of items including bullet proof vests, handcuffs, night vision goggles, riflescopes, and knives.“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 5, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download. The following day, al-Baroudi confirmed his travel with T.S., stating he would enter Syria from Rihaniya, Turkey.“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 5, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download.

On February 15, 2013, al-Baroudi took a commercial flight from Los Angeles to Turkey with 14 pieces of checked luggage weighing over 600 pounds. In a successful attempt to deceive airline security, he declared his luggage as “clothes,” according to a court document. Al-Baroudi then smuggled the items into Syria and allegedly distributed them among Ahrar al-Sham militants, providing instructions on their use. He returned to Los Angeles on March 4, 2013, with only two bags.Syrian-born US citizen Amin al-Baroudi charged with smuggling to militants,” Daily Mail (London), December 7, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3350059/Syrian-born-US-citizen-charged-smuggling-militants.html;
“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 6, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download.

A court document reveals al-Baroudi took a second trip from Los Angeles to Turkey on March 29, 2013, with four checked bags containing tactical equipment. He again crossed into Syria and distributed the items to be used by Ahrar a-Sham.“United States v. Amin al-Baroudi,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, 6, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/813586/download. Prosecutors have claimed al-Baroudi boasted of sending hundreds of riflescopes to Syria.Ben Nuckols, “U.S. citizen charged with smuggling to Islamic militants in Syria,” Military Times, December 7, 2015, http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/12/07/us-citizen-charged-smuggling-islamic-militants-syria/76947178/.

The FBI arrested al-Baroudi on December 3, 2015, at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as he returned home.Syrian-born US citizen Amin al-Baroudi charged with smuggling to militants,” Daily Mail (London), December 7, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3350059/Syrian-born-US-citizen-charged-smuggling-militants.html. He allegedly spent an undetermined amount of time in Saudi Arabia before returning to the United States. His lawyer stated al-Baroudi suffered a heart attack and was receiving medical treatment there.Matt Zapotosky, “Naturalized U.S. citizen accused of arming rebel group in Syria,” Washington Post, December 7, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/naturalized-us-citizen-accused-of-arming-rebel-group-in-syria/2015/12/07/0744edd8-9cfb-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html?postshare=5571449583053040&tid=ss_tw.

Al-Baroudi pled guilty on January 15, 2016, to charges of conspiring to export U.S.-origin goods from the United States to Syria.“California Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Violate U.S. Sanctions Against Syria,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 15, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-pleads-guilty-conspiring-violate-us-sanctions-against-syria. He faced a maximum of 20 years in prison if found guilty.Thomas Joscelyn, “US citizen pleads guilty to supporting al Qaeda-allied group in Syria,” Long War Journal, January 18, 2016, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/01/us-citizen-pleads-guilty-to-supporting-al-qaeda-allied-group-in-syria.php. He was not charged with any terrorism-related offenses.

On June 10, 2016, al-Baroudi was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison, with credit for five months already served. Federal judge Liam O’Grady acknowledged al-Baroudi’s intentions were good but misguided—as al-Baroudi sought to protect Syrian civilians from the Assad regime—and sentenced him to less time than the federal guidelines of 46 to 57 months.Rachel Weiner, “Man Accused of Arming Rebel Group in Syria Sentenced to Two Years in Prison,” Washington Post, June 10, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/man-accused-of-arming-rebel-group-in-syria-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison/2016/06/10/c1bf5a80-2e7e-11e6-9b37-42985f6a265c_story.html. He was also sentenced to two years of post-release supervision and was denied the privilege of exporting any goods from the United States for a period of ten years following his conviction.Hillary Hess, “In the Matter of: Amin Al-Baroudi, a/k/a Abu al-Jud, Inmate Number: 87450-083, FCI Victorville Medium II, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 3850, Adelanto, CA 92301; Order Denying Export Privileges,” Bureau of Industry and Security, 6 April 2017, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/04/06/2017-06810/in-the-matter-of-amin-al-baroudi-aka-abu-al-jud-inmate-number-87450-083-fci-victorville-medium-ii.

On August 29, 2017, al-Baroudi was released from federal prison.“Amin al-Baroudi,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed January 11, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/mobile/find_inmate/byname.jsp#inmate_results.

Muhammad Sholeh Ibrahim is the U.S.- and U.N.-designated emir (leader) of Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT), a violent Islamist group based in Indonesia, and tied to fellow Indonesian-based terror group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). According to U.S. Treasury’s September 2015 terrorist designation summary, Ibrahim has acted as the leader of JAT’s Solo/Surakarta office since 2014. He swore allegiance to ISIS and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi that same year.

In addition to leading the group’s Solo/Sukarta office, Ibrahim has raised funds for JAT and has been involved in the group’s overarching strategy department. He also served as a facilitator for the terror group, organizing buses to transport JAT members from Java to Jakarta in order to ensure a JAT presence at the trial of the group’s founder, Abu Bakar Bashir.“Treasury Sanctions Major Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Leaders, Financial Figures, Facilitators, and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 29, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0188.aspx.

Ibrahim also appears to have served as the deputy principal for Al-Mukmin, a religious boarding school based in Ngruki, Java, also founded by Bashir.Agence France-Presse, “Police probe Jakarta bombings school link,” ABC News (Australia), July 21, 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-21/police-probe-jakarta-bombings-school-link/1361888. Since its founding, the school has been linked to several terrorist attacks. In 2009, Ibrahim was interviewed after one of his students was identified as a suicide bomber in a Jakarta terrorist attack. Of the student, Ibrahim said that “[h]e was just like normal students, nothing extraordinary about him. He graduated in 1994 with Asmar Latin Sani.” Latin Sani had been a suicide bomber in 2003, detonating a bomb outside the Marriott hotel. He was responsible for the death of 12 people.Agence France-Presse, “Police probe Jakarta bombings school link,” ABC News (Australia), July 21, 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-21/police-probe-jakarta-bombings-school-link/1361888.

Sidney Jones of the International Crisis Group has called Al-Mukmin an “Ivy League” for terrorists due to the school’s reputation of churning out recruits to Bashir’s group, JI.Noor Huda Ismail, “Schooled for Jihad,” Washington Post, June 26, 2005, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/25/AR2005062500083.html. Ibrahim dismissed the rumors that the school was tied to terrorist bombers, instead asserting, “The Ngruki school is an educational institute. We have nothing to do with terrorism.”Agence France-Presse, “Police probe Jakarta bombings school link,” ABC News (Australia), July 21, 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-21/police-probe-jakarta-bombings-school-link/1361888.

On September 29, 2015, Ibrahim was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.“Treasury Sanctions Major Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Leaders, Financial Figures, Facilitators, and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 29, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0188.aspx. He was added the United Nations’ ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on April 20, 2016.“Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm.

George Haswani is an internationally sanctioned businessman in Syria who stands accused of acting on behalf of the Assad government and serving “as a middleman for oil purchases by the Syrian regime from” ISIS.Associated Press, “AP Interview: Syrian magnate denies buying Islamic State oil,” Yahoo News, March 10, 2015, http://news.yahoo.com/ap-interview-syrian-magnate-denies-buying-islamic-state-141721583.html;
“Syria Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 25, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151125.aspx. Based in Syria and carrying Russian citizenship, Haswani is co-owner of HESCO Engineering and Construction Company and, according to his EU designation, maintains close ties to the Syrian regime.“COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/375 of 6 March 2015 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria,” EUR-Lex, March 7, 2015, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2015.064.01.0010.01.ENG.

In 2014, reports emerged that Haswani and HESCO were facilitating illicit oil trade between ISIS and the Syrian regime.“Who is George Haswani who facilitates the sale and purchase of oil between the Islamic State and the Syrian Regime?” (Arabic), all4Syria, September 2, 2014, http://all4syria.info/Archive/165946. According to a source speaking to the Financial Times, Haswani had “direct access” to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and brokered contracts between ISIS and the Syrian government. He also operates a natural gas facility in Tabqa, Syria, run jointly by the Syrian regime and ISIS.Sam Jones, “New EU Syria sanctions reveal regime collusion with Isis,” Financial Times, March 7, 2015, http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/324b07f6-c42a-11e4-9019-00144feab7de.html#axzz3t0faIkKH.

CEP has monitored Haswani's activities and advocated for clarification on his activities, ultimately calling for Haswani's U.S. designation. Following its investigation into ISIS’s oil trading with the Bashar al-Assad regime, CEP CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace wrote to John E. Smith, acting director of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on March 18, 2015, requesting OFAC’s examination into Haswani’s alleged activities.

“The alleged activities of Haswani and HESCO in supporting violent extremist groups such as ISIS clearly merits a robust and immediate response,” Wallace wrote. “We hope OFAC will take appropriate action to disrupt the alleged ISIS-related business activities of Haswani, HESCO and its affiliated entities and subsidiaries. In doing so, OFAC will severely degrade the ability of extremist ‘enablers’ such as Haswani to facilitate ISIS’s illicit oil trade and establish a powerful precedent, and deterrent for others seeking to put profits before international peace and security.

Wallace wrote Haswani directly on March 6, 2015, posing a series of questions regarding his alleged activities and the activities of his company, HESCO engineering, in illicit oil and gas trading between the Assad regime and ISIS.

“The purpose of this letter is to convey our deepest concern regarding the apparent involvement of your company, HESCO Engineering & Construction Co.’s (“HESCO”), in the illicit oil trade between the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS” a.k.a. “ISIL” a.k.a. IS”) and the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad,” Wallace wrote. “It appears that you and your company HESCO play an indispensable role in facilitating financial support to ISIS.”

George Haswani responded to CEP’s letter with a letter delivered to CEP by facsimile on March 23, 2015. In that letter, Mr. Haswani purports to clarify his company’s involvement with the Nusra Front, ISIS, and the Assad regime.

The European Union sanctioned Haswani on March 7, 2015. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control added Haswani to its list of Specially Designated Nationals on November 25, 2015.“COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/375 of 6 March 2015 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria,” EUR-Lex, March 7, 2015, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2015.064.01.0010.01.ENG;
“Syria Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 25, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151125.aspx.

Click here to read the March 18, 2015, CEP letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Click here to read the March 6, 2015, CEP letter to George Haswani.

Click here to read the March 23, 2015, letter from Haswani to CEP.

Haswani has denied any culpability and appealed the sanctions. In a 2016 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Haswani admitted that ISIS fighters were largely in control of his gas facility in Tuweinan, Syria, but workers had no option but to keep the plant running. Haswani further described keeping the plant operational even under ISIS control as a national service.Jay Solomon and Benoit Faucon, “An Energy Mogul Becomes Entangled With Islamic State,” Wall Street Journal, May 8, 2016, https://www.wsj.com/articles/an-energy-mogul-becomes-entangled-with-islamic-state-1462734922. In March 2017, the EU General Court annulled the European Union’s sanctions against Haswani because of a lack of cited evidence.“Syrian sanctions on George Haswani annulled,” EU Sanctions, March 22, 2017, https://www.europeansanctions.com/2017/03/syrian-sanctions-on-george-haswani-annulled/. In September 2018, the U.S. government sanctioned the UAE-based International Pipeline Construction for “being owned or controlled” by Haswani’s HESCO Engineering.“U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Assad Regime’s Key ISIS Intermediary and,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 6, 2018, https://sy.usembassy.gov/u-s-treasury-imposes-sanctions-on-assad-regimes-key-isis-intermediary-and/.

On August 4, 2020, an explosion in Beirut’s port in Lebanon killed at least 200 people, wounded more than 6,000 others, and destroyed much of the port. Lebanese officials suspect the explosion was caused by negligence in the storage of the explosive fertilizer chemical ammonium nitrate.“Anger Rises After Beirut Blast and Evidence Officials Knew of Risks,” New York Times, last updated August 11, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/world/middleeast/beirut-lebanon-explosion.html; Bassem Mroue, Zeina Karam, and Sarah El Deeb, “Negligence probed in deadly Beirut blast amid public anger,” Associated Press, August 5, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/global-trade-ap-top-news-international-news-middle-east-lebanon-4475998de078a93bbe91b7ac9d43ada2. In January 2021, a British government report linked a shipment of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in the port to Haswani and Syrian-Russian citizens Mudalal Khuri and his brother Imad. The United States had previously sanctioned the Khuri brothers for supporting the Assad regime. The ammonium nitrate was officially in transit to Mozambique, but reports suggest Beirut was in fact the chemical’s final destination.Martin Chulov, “Businessmen with ties to Assad linked to Beirut port blast cargo,” Guardian (London), January 14, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/businessmen-with-ties-to-assad-linked-to-beirut-port-blast-cargo. Suspected British shell company Savaro Limited purchased the chemical shipment in July 2013. It entered Beirut’s port shortly after. Savaro Limited shares a London address with companies formerly directed by Haswani and Imad Khuri, including HESCO, which officially dissolved in November 2020. A Mozambican explosive factory, Fabrica de Explosivos de Moçambique (FEM), claimed it had ordered the chemicals through Savaro, further raising suspicions about why the company would use an intermediary. FEM reportedly has links to the Assad family. The findings raised questions about whether the Syrian government was attempting to import the chemical.“Syrian businessmen linked to firm that bought Beirut explosives,” Al Jazeera, January 14, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/14/syrian-businessmen-linked-to-firm-that-bought-beirut-blast-matter?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1905672; Martin Chulov, “Businessmen with ties to Assad linked to Beirut port blast cargo,” Guardian (London), January 14, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/businessmen-with-ties-to-assad-linked-to-beirut-port-blast-cargo.

Asif Ahmed Salim is a U.S. citizen who, between 2005 and 2012, conspired to provide money, equipment, and other assistance to now-deceased terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki. Al-Awlaki, a key leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), was designated a global terrorist in 2010.Scott Shane, “The Lessons of Anwar al-Awlaki,” New York Times, August 27, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/magazine/the-lessons-of-anwar-al-awlaki.html. Asif acted with three other men including his brother Sultane Room Salim, as well as Indian brothers Yahya Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad.“Four Men Charged with Providing Material Support to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-men-charged-providing-material-support-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula.

In July 2009, Asif’s co-conspirator Farooq Mohammad reportedly traveled to Yemen and gave $22,000 to one of al-Awlaki’s associates. According to the indictment, the four men “agreed to provide and did provide funds, equipment, and expert advice and assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki to be used in furtherance of ‘violent jihad’ against the United States and the United States military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.”“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 13, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download.

Salim studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005, and became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007. In 2011, he became a resident of the United Arab Emirates.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 13, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download. Salim allegedly lived in the United Arab Emirates for four years.“United States of America v. Asif Ahmed Salim, et al.,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Western Division, March 2, 2018, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ohnd-3_15-cr-00358/pdf/USCOURTS-ohnd-3_15-cr-00358-8.pdf. It is uncertain when Salim returned to the United States, but on September 30, 2015, Salim and his brother were arrested and on November 5, 2015, the two were indicted in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio on charges for conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, for providing material support and resources to terrorists, and for conspiracy to obstruct justice.“Ohio State Attack Bears Hallmarks of Islamic Extremist Propaganda,” Anti-Defamation League, November 29, 2016, https://www.adl.org/blog/ohio-state-attack-bears-hallmarks-of-islamic-extremist-propaganda; “United States v. Mohammad,” Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse, February 24, 2021, https://www.clearinghouse.net/detail.php?id=15775.

In April 2018, Salim pled guilty to concealment of financing of terrorism.Jennifer Feehan, “2 Plead Guilty in Terrorism Case,” Toledo Blade, https://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2018/04/12/2-plead-guilty-in-terrorism-case.html. On October 26, 2018, Salim was sentenced in federal court to six years in prison with a life term of supervision.Allison Dunn, “Man Funding Terrorism Sentenced to Six Years in Prison,” Toledo Blade, https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2018/10/26/Man-funding-terrorism-sentenced-to-six-years-in-prison/stories/20181026093.

Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad is a suspected terrorist financier and facilitator originally from India. He allegedly co-conspired with older brother Yahya Farooq Mohammad—and brothers Asif Ahmed Salim and Sultane Room Salim—to provide material support to now-deceased AQAP leader Anwar al-Awlaki.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 12, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download. The FBI trailed Zubair Mohammad and his brother Yahya Farooq Mohammad for “a length of time,” according to an Indian official. Both men are alleged to have discussed plots to conduct terrorist attacks in India.Praveen Swami, “2 NRI brothers indicted in US for funding al-Qaeda, had discussed attacks in India,” Indian Express, November 7, 2015, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/two-indian-brothers-indicted-in-us-for-providing-support-to-al-qaeda-leader/.

The four men were charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to a terrorist group, specifically in support of Anwar al-Awlaki for furtherance of violent jihad against the United States. The group exchanged email correspondence citing jihadist propaganda over several years. All are accused of providing “property and services, including currency and monetary instruments, tangible property, services, and expert advice and assistance” with the knowledge that they would be used for terrorist acts against U.S. citizens and military personnel.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 12, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download.

Mohammad became a U.S. permanent resident after marrying a U.S. citizen of Indian origin in 2006.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 12, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download.

On April 11, 2018, Mohammad pleaded guilty in federal court to concealing the financing of terrorism. The plea bargain stipulated 60 months in prison, which includes the 30 months he spent imprisoned awaiting trial.Jennifer Feehan, “Former Toledo Man Pleads Guilty in Terror Case,” Toledo Blade, April 12, 2018, https://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2018/04/11/Former-Toledo-man-pleads-guilty-in-terror-case.html. After completing his sentence in May 2020, Mohammad was deported to India.Shishir Gupta, “Telangana Engineer Convicted in US for Raising Money for Al Qaeda Leader Deported,” Hindustan Times, May 21, 2020, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telangana-engineer-convicted-in-us-for-raising-money-for-al-qaeda-leader-deported/story-kuECuqzL9XuyauXBj5kwCJ.html.

Indian-born Yahya Farooq Mohammad is a former U.S. resident who conspired to provide material support to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and specifically AQAP terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 1, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download. Mohammad and his younger brother Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, also an Indian citizen, face charges for funding the terror group.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 1, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download.

Mohammad began his studies in Hyderabad before moving to the United States to earn his Master’s degree in electrical engineering from Ohio State University in 2004.Praveen Swami, “2 NRI Brothers indicted in US for funding al-Qaeda, had discussed attacks in India,” Indian Express (New Delhi), November 7, 2015, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/two-indian-brothers-indicted-in-us-for-providing-support-to-al-qaeda-leader/. After graduating from Ohio State, Mohammad moved to the United Arab Emirates where he worked in technology. He visited the United States in 2008 and married a U.S. citizen.Praveen Swami, “2 NRI Brothers indicted in US for funding al-Qaeda, had discussed attacks in India,” Indian Express (New Delhi), November 7, 2015, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/two-indian-brothers-indicted-in-us-for-providing-support-to-al-qaeda-leader/.

In 2009, Mohammad allegedly traveled to Yemen to deliver $22,000 to influential jihadist and al-Qaeda propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki.Praveen Swami, “2 NRI Brothers indicted in US for funding al-Qaeda, had discussed attacks in India,” Indian Express (New Delhi), November 7, 2015, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/two-indian-brothers-indicted-in-us-for-providing-support-to-al-qaeda-leader/. Unable to reach al-Awlaki, Mohammad was reportedly instructed to hand the funds to an associate in the country’s capital as he described in an email to his brother, “Couldn’t meet with him, but delivered the goods to a relative.”Pete Williams, “FBI: Ohio Men Plotted to Aid former al Qaeda Propagandist,” NBC News, November 5, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/fbi-ohio-men-plotted-aid-former-al-qaeda-propagandist-n458051.

Though he never obtained legal resident status, Mohammad resided in the United States for nearly a decade and married a U.S. citizen.“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 1, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download. Mohammad and the three other men—identified as Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Room Salim—were indicted in November 2015.“Four Men Charged with Providing Material Support to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-men-charged-providing-material-support-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula. In July of 2017, Farooq pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists. He also admitted to soliciting an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman to kidnap and murder U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary.Daniel Arkin, “Al Qaeda Supporter Pleads Guilty to Plotting Judge’s Killing,” NBCNews, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/yahya-farooq-mohammad-pleads-guilty-terror-charge-plotting-judge-s-n781586. On November 7, 2017, Mohammad was sentenced to 27 and a half years in prison.“Man Jailed for 27 Years for Plotting to Murder US Judge,” BBC News, November 07, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41898016.

Sultane Room Salim is a U.S. citizen who, between 2005 and 2012, conspired to send money and equipment to now-deceased AQAP terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki. Salim acted alongside three other men including his brother Asif Ahmed Salim, as well as Indian brothers Yahya Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad.“Four Men Charged with Providing Material Support to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-men-charged-providing-material-support-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula. Salim was arrested in November 2015 in Ohio, and was indicted on one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.Andrew Tobias, “Four men, including two former Ohio State students, charged with assisting Al Qaeda,” Cleveland.com, November 5, 2015, http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2015/11/four_men_including_two_former.html. He pled not guilty.PTI, “Indian Man Indicted In US For Helping Al-Qaeda Arrested From Texas,” Huffington Post, July 11, 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/11/07/al-qaeda-financial-support_n_8497258.html.

In July 2009, Farooq Mohammad reportedly traveled to Yemen and gave $22,000 to one of al-Awlaki’s associates.“Four Men Charged with Providing Material Support to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-men-charged-providing-material-support-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula. According to the indictment, the four men “agreed to provide and did provide funds, equipment, and expert advice and assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki to be used in furtherance of ‘violent jihad’ against the United States and the United States military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.”“United States of America v. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Roome Salim,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, September 30, 2015, 13, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/790971/download.

In April 2018, Salim, as well as his brother Asif and Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, pled guilty to one count of concealment of financing of terrorism.“Three Men Plead Guilty to Concealing Sending Funds to Anwar Al-Awlaki,” United States Department of Justice, April 12, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-men-plead-guilty-concealing-sending-funds-anwar-al-awlaki. On January 16, 2019, Salim was sentenced to five years in prison. Following his term in prison, Salim will be on supervised release for 15 years.Kate Snyder, “Toledo Man Gets Five Years for Hiding Terror Funding,” Toledo Blade, January 16, 2019, https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2019/01/15/man-funding-terrorism-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison/stories/20190115099.