Indian Man Sentenced To Over 30 Years For Funding ISIS

Photo: Virginia Sheriff’s Office

SPRINGFIELD, VA — An Indian-origin man from Virginia has been sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison for funneling over $185,000 to ISIS, the U.S. Department of Justice said on May 7.

Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, was handed a 364-month prison term for his role in financing terrorist activities linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. A federal jury had convicted him in December 2024 on multiple counts, including conspiracy and material support for terrorism.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Chhipa operated a sophisticated funding network from at least October 2019 through October 2022. He raised money via social media, collected electronic transfers, and even traveled across state lines to receive cash in person. He then converted the funds into cryptocurrency and sent it to contacts in Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

Prosecutors said Chhipa’s actions directly supported efforts to finance prison escapes, fund ISIS fighters, and sustain female members of the group held in camps.

FBI Director Kash Patel added that the case underscores the agency’s commitment to holding accountable anyone who supports terrorist organizations, noting, “Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.”

Chhipa’s primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member based in Syria who coordinated fundraising efforts for terrorist attacks and prison breakouts. Authorities say the two maintained regular contact as part of a broader ISIS financial support network.

“This case is a stark reminder that those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.”

Chhipa was convicted of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing or attempting to provide such support.