A FILIPINO was arrested in Long Beach, California, after being accused of sending money to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Manila time).
In a statement, lawyer Bill Essayli said supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to national security.
“We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies,” Essayli added.
According to a criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors, Villanueva allegedly communicated via social media with two individuals who claimed to be ISIS fighters.
During these conversations, he expressed a desire to fight for ISIS.
“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven. Someday soon, I’ll be joining,” he said.
Prosecutors said Villanueva told one of the individuals that he possessed a bomb and knives.
When FBI agents arrested him Tuesday morning, a suspected explosive device was found in his bedroom.
An affidavit filed with the complaint detailed how Villanueva discussed sending money to support the fighters’ terrorist activities, at one point asking whether his funds would “cover your equipment and your weapons.”
He allegedly sent $1,615 over five months to two intermediaries abroad, according to Western Union records.
