A criminal complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn federal court, charging Mansuri Manuchekhri with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and ISIS-K, possessing firearms unlawfully, and committing immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy, who ordered his detention.
The arrest and charges were announced by United States Attorney General Pam Bondi, John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai from the Justice Department’s National Security Division, James E. Dennehy of the FBI's New York Field Office, and Jessica S. Tisch of the NYPD.
Attorney General Bondi stated: “Under no circumstances will my Department of Justice tolerate terrorism.” She emphasized the commitment to prosecuting those who threaten American citizens.
United States Attorney Durham alleged that Manuchekhri facilitated significant financial contributions to ISIS extremists overseas while training with assault rifles in the U.S., expressing readiness to join ISIS efforts. He highlighted protecting the homeland as a priority.
Sue Bai asserted that "the Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists," emphasizing that exploitation of immigration or financial systems would not be tolerated.
FBI Assistant Director Dennehy noted that today's arrest underscores their commitment to counterterrorism efforts. He pointed out that Manuchekhri violated immigration laws while providing financial support to violent extremists affiliated with a designated foreign terrorist organization.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch commended law enforcement partners for identifying and arresting Manuchekhri, describing him as a "gun-toting fraudster" posing a domestic threat.
According to the complaint, Manuchekhri arrived in the U.S. from Tajikistan on a tourist visa in June 2016 but overstayed after it expired in December 2016. In March 2017, he entered into a sham marriage for legal status but failed to complete necessary documentation.
Between December 2021 and April 2023, residing in Brooklyn, he allegedly facilitated $70,000 payments to ISIS affiliates in Turkey and Syria. One recipient was later arrested for involvement in an Istanbul church attack claimed by ISIS-K. The complaint also details his possession of firearms despite being prohibited due to unlawful status.
In February 2022, he recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a New Jersey range and sent it with a message indicating readiness for action.
Manuchekhri faces up to 45 years' imprisonment if convicted. The case is managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella and Andrea Broach.
Mansuri Manuchekhri is identified as aged 33 from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn under docket number 25-MJ-64.
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