Virginia man sent $185,000 in cryptocurrency to ISIS

Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, a 35-year-old man from Springfield, Virginia, was convicted of using cryptocurrency to fund the ISIS terror group.

Chhipa transferred $185,000 worth of cryptocurrencies to ISIS members in Syria between October 2019 and October 2022.

The funds were used for various activities, including aiding the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting fighters.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Chhipa raised the money through various means, including social media, electronic bank transfers, and in-person cash collections.

The funds were converted into cryptocurrency and sent to Turkey, from where they were smuggled into Syria to benefit ISIS members.

The DOJ report also identified a British-born ISIS member living in Syria as Chhipa's primary co-conspirator.

This individual was involved in raising funds for prison escapes and terrorist operations.

“Over the course of the conspiracy, the defendant sent out over $185,000 in cryptocurrency,” the DOJ confirmed.

Chhipa was convicted on five charges: one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation and four counts of providing material support or resources to the organisation.

The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 100 years, although sentences for federal crimes are often less than the maximum.

Chhipa will be sentenced on May 5, 2025, with the length of his sentence to be determined by a judge based on U.S. sentencing guidelines.