Tajik National Arrested in New York for Financing ISIS Activities and Immigration Fraud

Tajik National Arrested in New York for Financing ISIS Activities and Immigration Fraud

A Tajik man illegally residing in the United States is facing serious charges, including providing financial support to the Islamic State and related terrorist organizations. This information comes from a statement released by the Justice Department on Wednesday.

Mansuri Manuchekhri, aged 33, lived in Brooklyn, New York. He appeared before a federal judge and was ordered to remain in custody. His charges include unlawful possession of firearms in the United States and immigration fraud, as detailed in court documents.

Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the government’s stance on terrorism, stating that the Department of Justice will not tolerate such actions.

According to the FBI, Manuchekhri allegedly facilitated nearly $70,000 in payments to individuals associated with ISIS in Turkey and Syria. Some of this money was directed to someone involved in a church attack in Istanbul last year during morning mass, with ISIS-K claiming responsibility for that incident.

Allegations of Support for ISIS Activities

U.S. Attorney John Durham asserted that Manuchekhri’s actions were alarming. He reportedly not only funneled large sums of money to ISIS extremists but also trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges across the United States. He had declared his readiness to support ISIS.

Background and Entry into the United States

Manuchekhri entered the U.S. from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa, which expired in December of that year. Despite the expiration of his visa, he remained in the country unlawfully.

In March 2017, he engaged in a fraudulent scheme by paying an American citizen for a sham marriage to obtain legal residency. However, the Justice Department indicated that his application was denied due to missing documentation.

Family Concerns and FBI Involvement

Concerns over Manuchekhri’s behavior escalated in August 2024 when a family member contacted the New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline. This family member reported that Manuchekhri had made multiple threats to kill them, suggesting potential for violence.

Financial Contributions to Terrorism

Federal prosecutors revealed that between December 2021 and April 2023, Manuchekhri sent approximately $70,000 to individuals with ties to ISIS in Turkey and Syria. His communications indicated that this money was intended for members of ISIS or ISIS-K as well as their family members.

Moreover, Manuchekhri expressed support for ISIS by praising their attacks and storing multiple propaganda videos on his iCloud account. Law enforcement officials discovered images of him posing with firearms during their investigation.

Potential Consequences of Conviction

If found guilty of the charges, Manuchekhri could face a prison sentence of up to 45 years. The severity of the allegations reflects a significant threat not only to national security but also to community safety.

Wider Implications

The case underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing illegal immigration and its potential connections to terrorist activities. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor situations involving individuals who might pose risks to security.

Manuchekhri’s case serves as a pertinent reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration laws, national security, and the necessity for vigilant oversight.