Yemen: Credit Card Fraud Scheme Allegedly Funded Al-Qaeda Leader’s Terrorist Activities
A recent indictment has uncovered a shocking seven-year credit card fraud scheme in Yemen, allegedly masterminded by two pairs of brothers who conspired to raise funds for al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki. The US Justice Department has charged four men with supporting terrorist efforts and carrying out violence against American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Alleged Conspiracy
The 72-page indictment outlines the alleged conspiracy, which began in 2005 and continued until January 2012. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 37, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 36, Asif Ahmed Salim, 35, and Sultane Room Salim, 40, are accused of providing financial support to al-Awlaki, a key leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula who was killed in Yemen in a US drone strike in 2011.
The Scheme
According to authorities, the scheme involved credit card fraud and the transfer of tens of thousands of dollars to associates of al-Awlaki. The largest amount listed in the indictment is $22,000, which was delivered to an associate of al-Awlaki in Yemen in July 2009.
Key Points:
- The scheme allegedly began in 2005 and continued until January 2012
- Yahya Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Room Salim are accused of providing financial support to al-Awlaki
- Credit card fraud and the transfer of tens of thousands of dollars were used to fund terrorist activities
The Consequences
The US Attorney Steven Dettelbach emphasized that money is a vital resource for terrorist organizations and those who provide funds knowing they will be used to support terrorism have a responsibility for what happens with that money. The four men were charged with:
- Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists
- Providing material support to terrorists
- Conspiracy to obstruct justice
The Mohammad Brothers
The Mohammad brothers were also charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Enhanced Credit Card Security Measures Needed
The alleged credit card fraud scheme highlights the need for enhanced credit card security measures in Yemen to prevent such illegal activities from taking place.