Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, a 35-year-old man from Springfield, Virginia, has been convicted by a federal court for financing the terrorist organization ISIS using cryptocurrency.

Sent $185,000 in Cryptocurrency to Syria

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Chhipa sent $185,000 worth of cryptocurrency to ISIS members in Syria between October 2019 and October 2022.

Evidence revealed that the funds were used to:

  • Finance the escapes of ISIS women from prison camps.

  • Support ISIS fighters.

Chhipa raised the money through social media accounts, electronic bank transfers, and in-person cash collections. The funds were then converted into cryptocurrency and sent to Turkey, where they were smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

Collaboration with a UK-born ISIS Member

Chhipa's main accomplice was a UK-born ISIS member living in Syria. This conspirator also helped raise funds for:

  • Prison escapes.

  • Terrorist attacks.

“During the conspiracy, the defendant sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.”

Facing Up to 100 Years in Prison

Chhipa was convicted on five counts:

  1. Conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

  2. Four counts of providing or attempting to provide support to ISIS.

If sentenced to the maximum penalties, he faces up to 100 years in prison, although actual sentences for federal crimes are typically lower.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2025, where the judge will determine the length of his imprisonment based on federal sentencing guidelines and legal factors.

Other Cases Involving Cryptocurrencies and Terrorist Financing

The DOJ recently charged Maximilian Pilipis, operator of the AurumXchange crypto exchange, for money laundering connected to the darknet marketplace Silk Road.

  • The exchange allegedly processed transactions linked to Silk Road accounts.

  • AurumXchange operated without a license from 2009 to 2013, violating AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations.

These cases highlight how cryptocurrencies can be exploited for illegal activities, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.

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