Former refugee admits to supporting ISIS

HOUSTON – A 28-year-old former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents.

“The Department of Justice and the Southern District of Texas are committed to rooting out terror elements in our communities, wherever they may be,” said Ganjei. “If you’re working to subvert the United States through violence, you will be found and you will be punished.”

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for June 5. At that time, Alqaysi faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case along with NSD Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe.