Crypto Fraud Case Highlights Terrorist Groups’ Use of Cryptocurrency

Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, a 35-year-old U.S. citizen, has been sentenced to 364 months in prison for running a sophisticated crypto fraud scheme that supported the terrorist group ISIS. The jury found him guilty of conspiracy and charges related to providing financial support to ISIS between October 2019 and October 2022. Chhipa utilized various social media platforms and staged charity walks to solicit donations, claiming they were for humanitarian causes. These funds, exceeding $185,000, were transferred via cryptocurrency and funneled into accounts used by ISIS fighters in Syria.