Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A former Iraqi refugee residing in Richmond has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi, 28, admitted his involvement with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Between 2015 and 2020, Alqaysi used his computer skills to assist ISIS by developing and posting logos for their media group, the Kalachnikov team. He also distributed hacking videos, instructions, stolen credit card information, and fraudulent identity documents to ISIS members.
"The Department of Justice and the Southern District of Texas are committed to rooting out terror elements in our communities, wherever they may be," stated 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 Alqaysi's plea and scheduled sentencing for June 5. Alqaysi could face up to 20 years in federal prison along with a possible fine of $250,000.
Alqaysi remains in custody as he awaits sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force with help from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case alongside NSD Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe.
