A resident of Springfield, Virginia, has received a sentence of over 30 years in federal prison for using cryptocurrency to support ISIS, recognized by the US as a foreign terrorist organization.
Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, age 35, was sentenced to 364 months in prison following a conviction for providing material assistance to the terrorist group, as detailed in a press release from the US Department of Justice (DoJ).
Conviction Details and Implications
Documents from the court indicate that from October 2019 to October 2022, Chhipa engaged in a long-term effort to transfer money to female ISIS affiliates in Syria. These contributions facilitated various activities, including escape attempts and additional support for ISIS members.
Chhipa used social media to raise donations, accepted digital funds, and often traveled long distances to collect cash. He converted the money into cryptocurrency, which he sent via middlemen in Turkey, ultimately for use by ISIS in Syria.
The DoJ reported that Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency, helping to sustain ISIS’s operations. Prosecutors argued that this financial backing allowed ISIS to maintain their activities.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This defendant directly financed ISIS in their heinous acts against innocents, both in the US and abroad.”
FBI Director Kash Patel noted that this case highlights the bureau’s dedication to prosecuting anyone who assists in terrorist activities, whether through financial contributions or operational support.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and federal attorneys secured convictions for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization, plus multiple counts of attempted support. A jury found him guilty in December 2024, resulting in the recent sentencing.
Concerns Over Cryptocurrency in Terrorism
The US Attorney’s Office highlighted the gravity of Chhipa’s actions, suggesting that funding a violent extremist group in a country that promotes freedom significantly undermines national security.
US Attorney Erik S. Siebert emphasized, “Those who finance and facilitate terrorism are just as accountable as the attackers themselves.”
The press release also noted that Chhipa’s main co-conspirator was an ISIS member in Syria, who was integral to fundraising for terrorist operations, including attacks and prison breakouts.
This case illustrates a growing trend in terror financing, where cryptocurrency is increasingly used due to its anonymous properties and ease of international transfers.
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