Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
Jibreel Pratt, a 26-year-old resident of Detroit, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to two counts related to concealing cryptocurrency donations intended for the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS). This announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., alongside Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.
According to the plea agreement, Pratt began discussions with a Confidential Human Source (CHS) in February 2023. He believed this source was an ISIS member who could assist him in traveling overseas to join the organization. Over several months, Pratt expressed his intent to join ISIS and recorded a video pledging allegiance to its leader. He also shared ideas on how ISIS could use technology like drones and remote-controlled cars for explosive delivery and improve their intelligence operations and air defense systems.
In March and May 2023, Pratt sent Bitcoin to the CHS with the intention that it would be used for others traveling to join ISIS or support acts of violence in favor of ISIS. To conceal these transactions, he used privacy-focused tools such as a VPN and encryption apps.
"Jibreel Pratt has many talents. And he swore a binding oath to use them to help ISIS—a genocidal anti-American terrorist organization," stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon. "Pratt meticulously plotted to support ISIS and covertly sent them money to further their evil works."
Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the gravity of such threats: "Today’s guilty plea by Jibreel Pratt underscores the serious threat posed by individuals who attempt to support foreign terrorist organizations known for violence and human rights abuses." He added that this outcome reflects strong partnerships among law enforcement agencies dedicated to national security.
Pratt's sentencing is set for November 13, 2025. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a $250,000 fine; however, both parties have agreed on a nine-year sentence as appropriate resolution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Salzenstein and Jennifer Burke from the National Security Division are prosecuting on behalf of the United States.
