A 26-year-old Detroit man has been handed a nine-year prison sentence after admitting to attempts to funnel cryptocurrency to the extremist organisation ISIS, as well as preparing to join the group abroad. Federal prosecutors revealed that he used encryption and VPN services to conceal two Bitcoin transactions intended to finance travel and violence in support of ISIS.
Hidden Transfers to Fund Extremism
According to court documents, the defendant initiated contact in February 2023 with an informant he believed represented ISIS. He expressed his willingness to travel overseas and pledged allegiance in a recorded video. Over the subsequent months, he sent Bitcoin in March and May 2023, with the understanding that the funds would assist others planning to travel to join ISIS or pay someone to carry out an act of violence. He utilised a VPN and a mobile app to mask the nature and origin of the transactions.
Plotting Tactics and Support for Terror Activities
Investigators uncovered handwritten notes from the defendant outlining how ISIS could improve its air-defence, engage in intelligence operations, and employ drones and remote-controlled vehicles to deliver explosives. The authorities also cited the use of encrypted transaction tools for the cryptocurrency transfers, making detection and attribution more challenging.
Accountability and Ongoing Vigilance
In announcing the sentence, the U.S. attorney emphasised that the case demonstrates the continuing threat posed by determined supporters of extremist groups operating covertly. The sentence reflects the focus of federal law enforcement agencies—like the Federal Bureau of Investigation—on detecting and disrupting attempts to finance terrorism, especially when cutting-edge tools such as cryptocurrencies are involved.
