Minh Quang Pham, also known as "Amin," has been sentenced to 44 years in prison for his involvement with al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a recognized foreign terrorist organization. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman, following Pham's guilty plea on May 11, 2023, to charges of providing material support to AQAP and conspiring to receive military-type training from them.
Danielle R. Sassoon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated: "Minh Quang Pham's actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear. Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison."
Devin DeBacker, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, added: “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP. The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”
Pham's activities included planning a suicide attack at Heathrow Airport after receiving training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a senior leader within AQAP. Pham traveled from London through Ireland to Yemen in December 2010 with intentions to join AQAP and engage in jihad.
While in Yemen between 2010 and 2011, Pham received guidance from al-Aulaqi on constructing explosive devices using household chemicals intended for use at Heathrow Airport upon his return to the UK. He also created propaganda content for AQAP’s magazine Inspire during this period.
In June or July 2011, before returning to the UK, Pham recorded a video encouraging others in the West to join violent jihad efforts either abroad or domestically. In this recording, he expressed his willingness to martyr himself.
Upon arriving back at Heathrow on July 27, 2011, UK authorities detained Pham and found him carrying ammunition consistent with Kalashnikov assault rifles—a weapon type he trained with while in Yemen. Though initially released after being cautioned about possessing live ammunition, Pham was later arrested under UK immigration laws.
After being indicted by a grand jury on May 24, 2012, US authorities sought his extradition from the UK. Following his provisional arrest on June 29, 2012, he was extradited on February 26, 2015. Initially sentenced by Judge Alison J. Nathan in May 2016 to a term of 40 years imprisonment—subsequently upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals—the vacatur motion led ultimately led prosecutors reinstate certain charges against him resulting ultimately resulted again recent conviction earlier year
Besides serving prison time now ordered supervised release life assessed $400 special assessment fine
Danielle R Sassoon commended FBI Washington Field Office New York Joint Terrorism Task Force vital investigation prosecution role Additionally acknowledged assistance provided Departments International Affairs Metropolitan Police Service/SO15 Counter Terrorism Command Scotland Yard Crown Prosecution Service Home Office
Prosecution overseen Offices National Security International Narcotics Unit Assistant Jacob H Gutwillig lead prosecutor aided Trial John Cella National Divisions Counterterrorism Section
