Abdullah Ramo Pazara is a naturalized U.S. citizen of Bosnian origin believed to be currently fighting for ISIS in Syria.Jack Date, Mike Levine, Pierre Thomas, “US Charges 6 Suspects With Aiding Terrorists,” ABC News, February 6, 2015, http://abcnews.go.com/US/suspects-charged-us-aiding-terrorists/story?id=28789888. Pazara left the United States in May 2013 and traveled to Zagreb, Bosnia and Herzegovina before entering Syria to join ISIS.Pete Wiliams, “Feds Charge 6 With Terrorism-Related Crimes Involving Links to ISIS,” NBC News, February 7, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/feds-charge-6-terrorism-related-crimes-involving-links-isis-n301961. In 2014, Pazara facilitated money transfers between individuals in the U.S. and jihadist organizations in Middle East via Western Union and Paypal.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html. NBC News quoted unnamed “authorities” in stating that Pazara may have been killed in 2014.Pete Wiliams, “Feds Charge 6 With Terrorism-Related Crimes Involving Links to ISIS,” NBC News, February 7, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/feds-charge-6-terrorism-related-crimes-involving-links-isis-n301961.

Pazara’s activities are well-documented in the indictment of six other Bosnian-Americans who were charged with providing material support to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html. The support provided by the six consisted of sending money to foreign fighters such as Pazara in amounts ranging from $150 to $1,850. The six individuals are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, Sedina Unkic Hodzic, Medy Salkicevic, Jasminka Ramic, Armin Harcevic, and Nihad Rosic.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html. The group communicated via social media, including Facebook.Jason Keyser, “6 Bosnian Immigrants Indicted For Using Facebook, PayPal To Facilitate Extremists In Syria,” Huffington Post, February 7, 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/07/bosnian-six-indictment_n_6637674.html.

Ramiz Hodzic also sent Pazara “U.S. military uniforms, tactical clothes and gear, combat boots, military surplus supplies and other items from businesses in St. Louis” in August 2013 via the U.S. Postal Service. The three boxes of items were first sent to Istanbul, Turkey, and later distributed to foreign fighters including Pazara in Iraq and Syria.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html.

Twitter personality “ISSyria” is a propagandist for ISIS.ISSyria, Twitter post, July 22, 2015, 8:27 a.m., https://twitter.com/ISSyria15/status/623877067722113024. ISSyria uses Twitter as a platform to garner financial support for the terror group by directing followers to donate to the group via Bitcoin, a crypto-currency that allows for financial transactions to be conducted anonymously. On August 1, 2015, ISSyria tweeted that donations would go toward enabling a “massive DDOS [distributed denial of service] attack” on ISIS’s enemies.ISSyria, Twitter post, July 22, 2015, 10:13 a.m., https://twitter.com/ISSyria15/status/623903689737175040.

CEP suspects ISSyria has been operating out of Syria since July 2015 based on tweets referencing Raqqah, ISIS’s de-facto headquarters. On July 22, 2015, ISSyria tweeted, “All the best to my brothers and sisters. Arrived in Raqqah!!!.”ISSyria, Twitter post, July 22, 2015, 9:11 a.m., https://twitter.com/ISSyria15/status/623888147030650880.

ISSyria’s Twitter bio includes a link to the website “Khilafah Archives” which shares ISIS propaganda in French.ISSyria, Twitter accessed, August 12, 2015, https://twitter.com/issyria15. In support of ISIS, s/he also often calls for others to fight against kuffar (nonbelievers) and become martyrs.ISSyria, Twitter post, August 1, 2015, 4:01 p.m., https://twitter.com/ISSyria15/status/627615071284236289.

Sedina Unkic Hodzic is a Bosnian immigrant to the U.S. and an alleged financier and facilitator for extremist groups in Iraq and Syria, reportedly including the Nusra Front and ISIS.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. In early February, Hodzic was arrested on one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf.

Along with five others, Hodzic allegedly collected and transferred money to now-deceased foreign fighter Abdullah Ramo Pazara, as well as other fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. They allegedly collected and mailed supplies such as military uniforms, combat boots, firearms accessories, optical equipment, and other gear and supplies.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf.

Hodzic assisted her husband Ramiz Zijad Hodzic with the money transfers.Alan ScherZagier, “Bosnian Immigrants plead not guilty in terror financing case,” Yahoo News, February 11, 2015, http://news.yahoo.com/bosnians-reject-hatred-wake-terror-financing-case-060550317.html. They were reportedly successful in utilizing services such as Facebook, Western Union, PayPal, and the United States Postal Service to communicate with other individuals, transfer money, and ship materials.Associated Press, “Bosnian Immigrants Plead Not Guilty in Terror Financing Case,” New York Times, February 11, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/02/11/us/ap-us-islamic-state-missouri-charges.html?_r=0.

In February 2015, Sedina Unkic Hodzic pleaded not guilty in U.S. District court in St. Louis, Missouri.Alan ScherZagier, “Bosnian Immigrants plead not guilty in terror financing case,” Yahoo News, February 11, 2015, http://news.yahoo.com/bosnians-reject-hatred-wake-terror-financing-case-060550317.html. On November 10, 2020, she was sentenced to 48 months in prison for “conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and providing material support to terrorists.”“Judge sentences St. Louis County woman for providing material support to terrorists,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 10, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/judge-sentences-st-louis-county-woman-providing-material-support-terrorists.

Missouri-based Ramiz Zijad Hodzic is a Bosnian immigrant and alleged financier and facilitator for extremist groups in Iraq and Syria, reportedly including the Nusra Front and ISIS.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. In early February, Hodzic was arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, one count of conspiracy to kill or maim persons in a foreign country, and one count of providing material support to terrorists.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf.

On February 11, 2015, he pleaded not guilty in U.S. District court in St. Louis, Missouri.Alan Scher Zagier, “Bosnian Immigrants plead not guilty in terror financing case,” Yahoo News, February 11, 2015, http://news.yahoo.com/bosnians-reject-hatred-wake-terror-financing-case-060550317.html. 

Along with five others, Hodzic allegedly collected and transferred money to now-deceased foreign fighter Abdullah Ramo Pazara, as well as other fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. They allegedly collected and mailed supplies such as military uniforms, combat boots, firearms accessories, optical equipment, and other gear and supplies.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf.

Hodzic allegedly wired approximately $10,000 to fighters in Syria and Iraq.Alan Scher Zagier, “Bosnian Immigrants plead not guilty in terror financing case,” Yahoo News, February 11, 2015, http://news.yahoo.com/bosnians-reject-hatred-wake-terror-financing-case-060550317.html. He was reportedly successful in utilizing services such as Facebook, Western Union, PayPal, and the United States Postal Service to communicate with other individuals, transfer money, and ship materials.Associated Press, “Bosnian Immigrants Plead Not Guilty in Terror Financing Case,” New York Times, February 11, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/02/11/us/ap-us-islamic-state-missouri-charges.html?_r=0.

On November 14, 2019, Hodzic was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on “one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count providing material support to terrorists.”“St. Louis County man gets 8 years in prison for aiding ISIS commander in Syria,” St. Louis Post Dispatch, November 14, 2019, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-county-man-gets-8-years-in-prison-for-aiding-isis-commander-in-syria/article_7da1e7ab-5070-5628-85f4-2092e9ea11f4.html.

In June 2015, a Brooklyn court charged Uzbek national and Brooklyn resident Akmal Zakirov with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.Sophia Pearson and Christie Smythe, “Teenager Pleads Guilty as U.S. Hunts Terrorist Recruiters,” Bloomberg News, June 11, 2015, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-11/virginia-teen-pleads-guilty-as-u-s-pursues-terrorist-recruiters. His suspected terror activities are allegedly connected to those of four men—Akhror Saidakhmetov, Abror Habibov, Abdurasul Hasanovich Juraboev and Dilkhayot Kasimov—arrested in February 2015 on similar charges. Zakirov is accused of raising moneySophia Pearson and Christie Smythe, “Teenager Pleads Guilty as U.S. Hunts Terrorist Recruiters,” Bloomberg News, June 11, 2015, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-11/virginia-teen-pleads-guilty-as-u-s-pursues-terrorist-recruiters. to help SaidakhmetovJonathan Dienst, “5th Suspect Charged in Brooklyn ISIS Probe: Feds,” NBC New York, June 11, 2015, http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/Fifth-Suspect-Questioned-ISIS-Plot-Islamic-State-Brooklyn-Coney-Island-Bomb-307003261.html. travel to Syria to join ISIS.Polly Mosendz, “Akmal Zakirov: Brooklyn Man Charged with Providing Material Support to ISIS,” Newsweek, June 11, 2015, http://www.newsweek.com/brooklyn-man-charged-providing-material-support-isis-342261. Zakirov pled not guilty.Selim Algar, “Fifth arrested in connection with Brooklyn ISIS plot,” New York Post, June 12, 2015, http://nypost.com/2015/06/12/fifth-arrested-in-connection-with-brooklyn-isis-plot/.

Missouri-based Armin Harcevic is a Bosnian immigrant and suspected facilitator for foreign extremist groups, allegedly including the Nusra Front and ISIS.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. In early February 2015, Harcevic was arrested on charges of conspiring and providing support to a terrorist organization.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 66 months in prison.“Bosnian National Sentenced for Providing Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, August 9, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/bosnian-national-sentenced-providing-material-support-terrorists.

Along with five others, including Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, Sedina Unkic Hodzic, Nihad Rosic, Mediha Medy Salkicevic, Jasminka Ramic, Harcevic allegedly collected and transferred money to now-deceased foreign fighter Abdullah Ramo Pazara, as well as other fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf. They allegedly collected and mailed supplies such as military uniforms, combat boots, firearms accessories, optical equipment, and other gear and supplies.“Indictment,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, February 5, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-edmo/legacy/2015/02/06/terorism_indictment.pdf.

If found guilty, Harcevic faced up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.Associated Press, “6 People charged in U.S. with supporting ISIS,” CBS News, February 6, 2015, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-people-charged-in-u-s-with-supporting-isis/. Initially, he pleaded not guilty in federal court in February 2015.Robert Patrick, “Sixth suspect arrested in St. Louis terror financing case,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 11, 2015, http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/sixth-suspect-arrested-in-st-louis-terror-financing-case/article_0a3a5a74-17ee-5a1d-842b-61f849bb9d33.html. However, on February 25, 2019, Harcevic pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists.“Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, February 25, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/man-pleads-guilty-providing-material-support-terrorists. On August 9, 2019, he was sentenced to 66 months in prison, after which he will be subject to deportation from the United States.“Bosnian National Sentenced for Providing Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, August 9, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/bosnian-national-sentenced-providing-material-support-terrorists. He is currently incarcerated at Victorville Medium I Federal Correctional Institute in California, with a scheduled release date of January 24, 2024.“ARMIN HARCEVIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed March 17, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Mehida Salkicevic is a Bosnian immigrant to the United States who became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She was arrested and charged with providing material support to ISIS. Salkicevic, a mother of four, is accused of soliciting funds and sending money to ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Rockford Suspect in Terror Funding Case Arrested in Germany,” WIFR, February 11, 2015, http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Rockford-Resident-Charged-with-Conspiring-to-Support-Terrorists-291123351.html. She pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization in March 2019,“Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, March 21, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.“Illinois Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, June 18, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. She was released from prison in August 2020.“MEDIHA MEDY SALKICEVIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 15, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

According to the indictment, Salkicevic and five other Bosnian immigrants allegedly plotted over Facebook, email, and phone to support foreign fights in Syria. They allegedly sent money through PayPal and Western Union, and shipped military equipment through the U.S. Postal Service.Michael Tarm, “Illinois woman accused of aiding extremists appears in court,” Associated Press, February 9, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3341e34753a6496586b6d4c5b50b616b/illinois-woman-accused-aiding-extremists-appears-court.

Salkicevic worked as a cargo handler at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Prosecutors warned that Salkicevic, whose mother and three sisters still live in Bosnia, is a flight risk.Michael Tarm, “Illinois woman accused of aiding extremists appears in court,” Associated Press, February 9, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3341e34753a6496586b6d4c5b50b616b/illinois-woman-accused-aiding-extremists-appears-court.

On March 21, 2019, Salkicevic pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS,“Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, March 21, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. and on June 8, 2019, she was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.“Illinois Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, June 18, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. Salkicevic was released on August 21, 2020.“MEDIHA MEDY SALKICEVIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 15, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Jasminka Ramic is a Chicago-area Bosnian immigrant“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. who was convicted of providing material support to ISIS. Working through a St. Louis-based intermediary (and fellow Bosnian immigrant), Ramic funneled $700 to presumed ISIS facilitators in Turkey.Justin Glawe, “Accused of Sending Social Security Checks to ISIS,” Daily Beast, February 10, 2015, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/10/accused-of-sending-social-security-checks-to-isis.html. Ramic allegedly tried to recruit others to contribute financially to ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. On February 10, 2015, Ramic was arrested in Germany and transferred to U.S. custody.“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. Ramic pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges of providing aid to terrorist groups on September 28, 2015,Jim Salter, “Woman pleads guilty to role in effort to aid terror groups,” Associated Press, September 28, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/476faa33da004a04be34c06f7b3dd652/woman-pleads-guilty-role-effort-aid-terror-groups. and was sentenced to three years in federal prison.Jennifer S. Mann, “Woman Gets 3 Years in Terror Funding Case with St. Louis Ties,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 2016, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-gets-3-years-in-terror-funding-case-with-st-louis-ties/article_a4777e13-0390-539c-9938-c814d317c66e.html. She was released in October 2017.“JASMINKA RAMIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 11, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

For less than a month in 2012, Ramic reportedly worked as a substitute nutrition services worker in the U.S. public school system.“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. Her family declared bankruptcy in the same year. Ramic’s only source of income was a monthly Social Security disability check in the amount of $579.Justin Glawe, “Accused of Sending Social Security Checks to ISIS,” Daily Beast, February 10, 2015, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/10/accused-of-sending-social-security-checks-to-isis.html. She later moved to Germany.Jim Salter, “Woman pleads guilty to role in effort to aid terror groups,” Associated Press, September 28, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/476faa33da004a04be34c06f7b3dd652/woman-pleads-guilty-role-effort-aid-terror-groups.

According to her attorney, Ramic wanted to send money to Syria to help women and children who were wounded in the Syrian government’s August 2013 chemical gas attack. Allegedly, Ramic initially believed that the money she sent to Syria was supporting an individual helping Syrian orphans. However, Ramic continued to send money even after she learned that the individual was actually a terrorist fighter. She reportedly sent $700 on at least three occasions to Syria in 2013. Some of the money was used to purchase a U.S. military jacket, combat boots, and a rifle scope.Jennifer S. Mann, “Woman Gets 3 Years in Terror Funding Case with St. Louis Ties,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 2016, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-gets-3-years-in-terror-funding-case-with-st-louis-ties/article_a4777e13-0390-539c-9938-c814d317c66e.html.

On September 28, 2015, Ramic pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and al-Qaeda in Iraq.Associated Press and Jim Salter, “Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Effort to Aid Terror Groups,” Vallejo Times-Herald, September 28, 2015, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2015/09/28/woman-pleads-guilty-to-role-in-effort-to-aid-terror-groups/. On January 5, 2016, she was sentenced to three years in federal prison and three years of post-release supervision. At sentencing, Judge Catherine Perry acknowledged Ramic’s initial altruistic motives, but imposed a sentence that was “sufficient but not greater than necessary,” given that Ramic continued to send money even after she knew it was financing terrorists.Jennifer S. Mann, “Woman Gets 3 Years in Terror Funding Case with St. Louis Ties,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 2016, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-gets-3-years-in-terror-funding-case-with-st-louis-ties/article_a4777e13-0390-539c-9938-c814d317c66e.html.

Ramic was released from prison on October 6, 2017.“JASMINKA RAMIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 11, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Muhanad Badawi is a California resident who was convicted in June 2016 on terrorism-related and federal financial aid fraud charges. Badawi had conspired with Nader Elhuzayel to join ISIS abroad.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html.

FBI agents arrested Badawi on May 21, 2015, at a gas station in Anaheim, California.Alex Dobuzinskis, “Two California men charged with seeking to help Islamic State,” Reuters, May 22, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/22/us-usa-security-california-idUSKBN0O70H520150522. He admitted to federal agents that he was aware of Elhuzayel’s plans to join ISIS and that he paid for Elhuzayel’s Turkish Airlines plane ticket.Michael Martinez and Stella Chan, “Two Southern California men arrested, accused of trying to join ISIS,” CNN, May 23, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/22/us/california-men-charged-isis-conspiracy/. According to prosecutors, Badawi used his federal financial aid to buy Elhuzayel’s ticket.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html.

Before Badawi’s arrest, FBI had monitored telephone conversations between the two alleged would-be foreign fighters since April 2015for over more than a month. Authorities discovered that the two planned to send Elhuzayel to join ISIS on May 21, 2015.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download. They had purchased a one-way ticket to Tel Aviv that had a strategically planned six-hour layover in Istanbul, intending for Elhuzayel to make his way to Syria through Turkey.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download. The pair alleged to family and federal authorities that Elhuzayel was visiting relatives in the West Bank, and would potentially stay there and “start a family,” the criminal complaint indicates.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download. FBI agents arrested Elhuzayel at Los Angeles International airport.“ISIS recruits Muhanad Badawi and Nader Elhuzayel arrested near L.A. charged,” NBC News, May 22, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/isis-recruits-muhanad-badawi-nader-elhuzayel-arrested-near-l-charged-n363461.

Badawi allegedly told an identified male in a recorded conversation that he too intended to join ISIS.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Badawi asserted that he was “gonna join soon,” in reference to joining the terror group.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download.

On May 22, 2015, Badawi appeared in Santa Ana federal court and was ordered held without bail.Associated Press, “2 men plead not guilty to conspiring to aid terror group,” San Jose Mercury News, May 22, 2015, http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_28169525/terrorism-task-force-arrests-2-men-1-at. On June 8, he pled not guilty in court to the charge of “conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist group.”“2 men plead not guilty to conspiring to aid terror group,” Associated Press, June 8, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d37a790e12044831ac237ef196dff911/2-men-plead-not-guilty-conspiring-aid-terror-group.

Badawi engaged in several online platforms to express his pro-ISIS views.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Badawi and Elhuzayel posted photos and comments glorifying ISIS on Facebook. He also operated two pro-ISIS Twitter accounts under the handles @darrulislam and @Mohunnid, both of which were monitored by the FBI.“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NADER ELHUZAYEL and MUHAMAD BADAWI” United States Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download. The account @darrulislam has been suspended.Muhanad Badawi, Twitter, accessed Jun 25, 2015, https://twitter.com/account/suspended.

On June 21, 2016, a federal jury in California found Badawi guilty of one count of financial fraud and attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He faces up to 30 years for the material support charge and up to five years for the financial fraud charge.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html.

New York-based Dilkhayot Kasimov is an Uzbek citizen who was a financier and facilitator for ISIS.Rebecca Davis O’Brien, “Fourth man charged over alleged Brooklyn terror conspiracy,” Wall Street Journal, April 6, 2015, http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2015/04/06/fourth-man-charged-over-alleged-brooklyn-terror-conspiracy/. Kasimov reportedly financially assisted Akhror Saidakhmetov and Abdurasul Hasanovich Juraboev in their pursuit to travel to Syria and join the self-proclaimed Islamic State.“Brooklyn man charged with allegedly funding ISIS recruitment plot in NY,” CBS, April 7, 2015, http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/04/07/brooklyn-man-charged-with-allegedly-funding-isis-recruitment-plot-in-ny/. Kasimov co-conspired with Abror Habibov to raise funds for the two foreign fighters, ultimately collecting approximately $1,600.“Fourth Brooklyn resident charged with attempt and conspiracy to provide material support to ISIL,” United States Department of Justice, April 6, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao/nye/pr/April15/2015-Apr-6.php. The U.S. Department of Justice believes that they raised these funds by “collecting…from multiple individuals.”“Fourth Brooklyn, New York, resident charged with attempt and conspiracy to provide material support to ISIL,” United States Department of Justice, April 6, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fourth-brooklyn-new-york-resident-charged-attempt-and-conspiracy-provide-material-support. Kasimov was found guilty of conspiracy and of attempting to provide material support to ISIS on September 24, 2019.“Jury Finds Brooklyn Man Guilty of Conspiracy and Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, September 25, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-finds-brooklyn-man-guilty-conspiracy-and-attempting-provide-material-support-isis. On June 3, 2022, Kasimov was sentenced to 15 years in prison.“Funder of ISIS Foreign Fighter Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 3, 2022, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/funder-isis-foreign-fighter-sentenced-15-years-prison.

Kasimov delivered the money to Saidakhmetov at John F. Kennedy airport on February 25, 2015, as Saidakhmetov attempted to travel to Syria. Saidakhmetov was stopped by federal agents as he attempted to board the plane, and Kasimov was arrested the same day.Stephanie Clifford, “4th Brooklyn Man is Charged in Plot to Join ISIS,” New York Times, April 6, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/07/nyregion/4th-brooklyn-man-is-charged-in-plot-to-join-isis.html; Nate Raymond, “Fourth New York City man charged in plot to aid Islamic State,” Reuters, April 6, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/07/us-usa-security-isis-idUSKBN0MY04R20150407.

Following his arrest, Kasimov admitted to providing Saidakhmetov with the money for his travels.“Fourth man charged in connection with ISIS recruitment plot in Brooklyn,” CBS, April 6, 2015, http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/04/06/fourth-man-charged-in-connection-with-isis-recruitment-plot-in-brooklyn/. Kasimov was charged with “attempt and conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” on April 6, 2015.“Fourth Brooklyn resident charged with attempt and conspiracy to provide material support to ISIL,” United States Department of Justice, April 6, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao/nye/pr/April15/2015-Apr-6.php. At his arraignment on April 8, Kasimov pled not guilty, along with his co-conspirators, Saidakhmetov, Juraboev, and Habibov.John Marzulli, “Four Brooklyn men plead not guilty to trying to join ISIS,” New York Daily News, April 8, 2015, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/4-brooklyn-men-plead-not-guilty-join-isis-article-1.2177970.

Investigators discovered emails that Kasimov had allegedly sent to unidentified individuals glorifying and propagating jihad. The emails helped the investigators to confirm Kasmov’s role as a financial and logistical backer of the would-be foreign fighters.“Fourth man charged in connection with ISIS recruitment plot in Brooklyn,” CBS, April 6, 2015, http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/04/06/fourth-man-charged-in-connection-with-isis-recruitment-plot-in-brooklyn/. Before his arrest, Kasimov was living in Brooklyn, NY, as an illegal alien.Rebecca Davis O’Brien, “Fourth man charged over alleged Brooklyn terror conspiracy,” Wall Street Journal, April 6, 2015, http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2015/04/06/fourth-man-charged-over-alleged-brooklyn-terror-conspiracy/.

On September 24, 2019, Kasimov was found guilty of conspiracy and of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison at sentencing.“Jury Finds Brooklyn Man Guilty of Conspiracy and Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, September 25, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-finds-brooklyn-man-guilty-conspiracy-and-attempting-provide-material-support-isis. He was held at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City.“DILKHAYOT KASIMOV,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 3, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. On June 3, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York sentenced Kasimov to 15 years in prison for conspiring to and attempting to provide material support to ISIS.“Funder of ISIS Foreign Fighter Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 3, 2022, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/funder-isis-foreign-fighter-sentenced-15-years-prison.