...Charges Two Brooklyn Men with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to al Qaeda

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Charges Two Brooklyn Men with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to al Qaeda

PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, GEORGE VENIZELOS, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), and RAYMOND W. KELLY, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, announced the indictment of U.S. citizens WESAM EL-HANAFI and SABIRHAN HASANOFF for allegedly conspiring to provide material support, including computer advice and assistance, to al Qaeda.

EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF are expected to be presented before United States Magistrate Judge T. RAWLES JONES, JR., of the Eastern District of Virginia at 3:00 p.m. today. The case is assigned to United States District Judge KIMBA M. WOOD of the Southern District of New York, and the defendants are expected to appear in Manhattan federal court at a later date.

In February 2008, EL-HANAFI traveled to Yemen, where he met with two members of al Qaeda. While in Yemen, EL-HANAFI swore an oath of allegiance to al Qaeda, received instructions from al Qaeda on operational security measures, and received assignments to perform for al Qaeda. Three months later, in May 2008, EL-HANAFI met with another individual ("CC-1") in Brooklyn to discuss CC-1 also joining al Qaeda. HASANOFF—who had previously received $50,000 from CC-1—and EL-HANAFI had additional discussions with CC-1 about joining al Qaeda, and EL-HANAFI later accepted an oath of allegiance on behalf of al Qaeda from CC-1. During about the same time period, EL-HANAFI purchased a subscription for a software program that enabled him to communicate securely with others over the internet.

In June 2008, EL-HANAFI directed CC-1 to perform various tasks for al Qaeda. And at that time, HASANOFF instructed CC-1 not to use his U.S. passport when traveling because a U.S. passport with fewer immigration stamps would be more valuable to al Qaeda.

Additionally, in August 2008, HASANOFF traveled to New York City where he performed assignments for al Qaeda. The following year, in April 2009, EL-HANAFI purchased seven Casio digital watches over the internet on behalf of al Qaeda and had them delivered to his residence in Brooklyn, New York.

EL-HANAFI, 33, is a U.S. citizen who was born and lived in Brooklyn, New York. HASANOFF, 34, is a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, who also resided in Brooklyn, New York.

The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA said: "As alleged in the Indictment, Wesam El-Hanafi and Sabirhan Hasanoff conspired to modernize al Qaeda by providing computer systems expertise and other goods and services. El-Hanafi is also alleged to have traveled to Yemen to meet with al Qaeda members face-to-face. These two New Yorkers, who allegedly pledged allegiance to al Qaeda, will now be held to account for their actions. This case confirms our commitment to work with the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force to protect our citizens against the clear and present danger posed by terrorists and those who provide them material support."

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge GEORGE VENIZELOS stated: "The safety and security of everyone depends on the commitment of law enforcement and intelligence agencies everywhere. Here, two U.S. citizens are charged with conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda, and with taking actions to that end. Given the global aims of this enemy of the rule of law, the work of the FBI and our partners on the Joint Terrorism Task Force is essential not just to the safety of New York, but internationally."

New York City Police Commissioner RAYMOND W. KELLY stated: "The case's nexus to New York City serves as another reminder that we remain vigilant to the possibility of supporters of al Qaeda returning to New York. This important Indictment was the result of the hard work and professionalism of the Federal prosecutors, FBI agents, and the NYPD detectives involved."

Mr. BHARARA praised the outstanding investigative work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force—which principally consists of agents and detectives of the FBI and the New York City Police Department. Mr. BHARARA thanked the Department of Justice's National Security Division and Office of International Affairs, and the Department of State for their assistance in this matter.

This case is being handled by the Office's Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys BRENDAN R. McGUIRE, JOHN P. CRONAN, and AIMEE HECTOR are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/aussie-on-ny-terror-charges/story-e6frf7jo-1225860909490

Last Updated: May 01, 2010

“Aussie on NY terror charges”

Carly Crawford in New York From: Herald Sun
May 01, 2010 10:59AM 3 comments

SNIPPET: “THE Australian man arrested as part of a growing al-Qaeda probe in New York is a devoted follower of fundamentalist Islam, sources say.

New York-based Sabirhan “Tareq” Hasanoff, who has both Australian and US citizenship, was one of two men charged with conspiring to provide material support al Qaeda in the US yesterday.

He is accused of lending the extremist network his computer expertise and handling huge sums of money for the group in New York.”

SNIPPET: “The tenant who occupies his townhouse in Flushing, Queens, described Hasanoff as a polite family man who, like his wife Wahida, is heavily into fundamentalist Islam.”

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/April10/ehanafiandhasanoffindictmentpr.pdf

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/05/27/2010-05-27_mini_terror_cell_leader_charged.html

“Computer whiz Wesem El-Hanafi accused of forming ‘mini terror cell’ loyal to Al Qaeda chiefs”
BY ALISON GENDAR
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, May 27th 2010, 4:00 AM

SNIPPET: “A Brooklyn-born computer whiz was accused Wednesday of forming a “mini terror cell” loyal to Al Qaeda chiefs in Yemen and ordered locked up until his trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cronan said Wesem El-Hanafi flew to Yemen in 2008 to meet with Al Qaeda officials. They covered him with a hood, and took him to a safehouse where he swore allegiance.

His first acts were to explain how they could encrypt their Internet communications, Cronan said. He returned to New York where he “basically formed his own mini terror cell.””

September 14, 2010

NOTE The following text is a quote:

newyork.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/nyfo091410a.htm

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Additional Charges Against Two U.S. Citizens Alleged to Have Provided Material Support to al Qaeda

PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that additional terrorism charges were filed against U.S. citizens WESAM EL-HANAFI and SABIRHAN HASANOFF in a Superseding Indictment for allegedly providing material support, including money and computer assistance, to al Qaeda. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge KIMBA M. WOOD, and the defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on the Superseding Indictment on September 16, 2010, at 10:30 a.m.

The original Indictment, which was unsealed on April 30, 2010, charged EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF with conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda. The Superseding Indictment contains three additional charges, including providing material support to al Qaeda, and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in connection with their alleged support of al Qaeda.

According to the Superseding Indictment filed in Manhattan federal court today:

Three months later, in May 2008, EL-HANAFI met with another individual (”CC-1”) in Brooklyn to discuss CC-1 also joining al Qaeda. HASANOFF—who had previously received $50,000 from CC-1—and EL HANAFI had additional discussions with CC-1 about joining al Qaeda. During about the same time period, EL-HANAFI purchased a subscription for a software program that enabled him to communicate securely with others over the Internet.

Additionally, in August 2008, HASANOFF traveled to New York City where he performed assignments for al Qaeda. The following year, in April 2009, EL-HANAFI purchased seven Casio digital watches over the Internet on behalf of al Qaeda and had them delivered to his residence in Brooklyn, New York.

EL-HANAFI, 33, is a U.S. citizen who was born and lived in Brooklyn, New York. HASANOFF, 34, is a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, who also resided in Brooklyn, New York.

If convicted on all counts, EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF each face a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

Mr. BHARARA praised the outstanding investigative work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force—which principally consists of agents and detectives of the FBI and the New York City Police Department. Mr. BHARARA thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs, and the Department of State for their assistance in this matter.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys BRENDAN R. McGUIRE, JOHN P. CRONAN, and AIMEE HECTOR are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NOTE The following text is a quote:

http://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2012/two-brooklyn-men-plead-guilty-in-manhattan-federal-court-to-providing-material-support-to-al-qaeda

Two Brooklyn Men Plead Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Providing Material Support to al Qaeda

U.S. Attorney’s Office
June 18, 2012

Southern District of New York

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WESAM EL-HANAFI and SABIRHAN HASANOFF pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to providing material support—including financial support, equipment, and technical advice—to al Qaeda associates in Yemen and elsewhere, and to conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda. EL-HANAFI pled guilty today before United States District Judge Kimba M. Wood, and HASANOFF pled guilty before Judge Wood on June 4, 2012.

They were transferred into United States custody following their arrests in the United Arab Emirates in 2010.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “The pleas of these two avowed supporters of al Qaeda is a chilling reminder of the threat of homegrown terrorists and the unwavering vigilance that must be exercised so they can be thwarted—as they were in this case. It is also a reminder of the commitment that we share with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and punish those who would do harm to the United States and its citizens.”

Beginning in 2007, EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF conspired with others to support and receive assignments from al Qaeda. In November 2007, HASANOFF received approximately $50,000 from a co-conspirator (“CC-1”), with the understanding that at least a portion of the money would be used to support the terrorist organization. In February 2008, EL-HANAFI traveled to Yemen, where he met with two members of al Qaeda. While in Yemen, EL-HANAFI swore an oath of allegiance to al Qaeda, received instructions from al Qaeda on operational security measures, and received assignments to perform for al Qaeda. Also while in Yemen, EL-HANAFI instructed the members of al Qaeda on how to communicate covertly over the Internet in a manner that would avoid law enforcement detection.

After EL-HANAFI returned from Yemen, HASANOFF also swore allegiance to al Qaeda. About three months later, in May 2008, EL-HANAFI met with CC-1 in Brooklyn to discuss CC-1 also joining al-Qaeda, and HASANOFF and EL-HANAFI subsequently had additional discussions with CC-1 about joining al Qaeda. During the same approximate time period, EL-HANAFI purchased a subscription for a software program that enabled him to communicate securely with others over the Internet.

EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF also helped finance the terror group, by regularly sending money to al Qaeda through international wire transfers and through couriers. EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF also were interested in fighting with al Qaeda in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations abroad, and they discussed traveling to engage in jihad, although they never succeeded in participating in armed conflict.

In June 2008, EL-HANAFI directed CC-1 to perform various tasks for al Qaeda. At that time, HASANOFF instructed CC-1 not to use his U.S. passport when traveling because a U.S. passport with fewer immigration stamps would be more valuable to al Qaeda.

Additionally, in August 2008, HASANOFF traveled to New York City where he performed assignments for al Qaeda. EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF continued discussions about seeking out more contacts with al Qaeda through 2009.

* * *

EL-HANAFI, 37, is a U.S. citizen who was born and lived in Brooklyn, New York. HASANOFF, 36, is a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, who also resided in Brooklyn, New York.

EL-HANAFI and HASANOFF each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. HASANOFF is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Wood on July 23, 2012. EL-HANAFI is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Wood on October 22, 2012.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York-based Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”)—which principally consists of special agents of the FBI and detectives of the New York City Police Department. He also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs, the Department of State, the Kansas City-based JTTF, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri for their extraordinary assistance in this matter.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan R. McGuire, John P. Cronan, Glen Kopp, Aimee Hector, and Michael Lockard and are in charge of the prosecution.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2517053/posts

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/18/3664515/kc-businessman-was-part-of-al.html

“Al-Qaida | Link is clarified
Kansas City businessman was part of al-Qaida terror cell, federal officials say”

BY MARK MORRIS
The Kansas City Star
June 18, 2012

SNIPPET: “A Kansas City businessman awaiting sentencing for providing support to al-Qaida was part of a small terror cell with two New York men, federal officials said Monday.

Beginning in late 2007, Khalid Ouazzani, 34, of Kansas City, contributed money to the terrorist organization through Sabirhan Hasanoff of Brooklyn. In June 2008, another man, Wesam El-Hanafi, accepted Ouazzani’s oath of allegiance to al-Qaida, according to federal court records in New York, where Ouazzani is identified only as “CC-1.”

El-Hanafi pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy Monday in federal court in New York. Hasanoff pleaded guilty earlier this month.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Kansas City confirmed the link between the cases.”

Note: Video included.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/22623004/fbi-convicted-kansas-city-terrorist-was-part-of-foiled-wall-street-bomb-plot

“FBI: Kansas City terrorist part of foiled Wall Street bomb plot”

Posted: Jun 18, 2013 10:55 AM PDT
Updated: Jun 18, 2013 3:38 PM PDT
By DeAnn Smith, Digital Content Manager - email
By Amy Anderson, Anchor/Reporter - bio | email

WASHINGTON (KCTV/AP) -

SNIPPET: “Ouazzani’s sentencing has been delayed several times. He faces up to 65 years in prison and a $1.75 million fine. He is apparently working with federal prosecutors in hopes of avoiding the maximum prison sentence.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas City said Ouazzani is cooperating as a witness in a case in New York against two men in which the Wall Street bomb plot is involved. He first sought to wage jihad against the United States in 2008 and prosecutors said was willing to go overseas to fight or receive training to commit acts of terrorism in the United States. “

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/05/terrorists-dupe-kansas-city-al-qaeda-supporter-2-others

“Terrorists dupe Kansas City Al Qaeda supporter, 2 others”
Published July 05, 2013
Associated Press

SNIPPET: “KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man and two other aspiring holy war combatants in the U.S. thought their contributions to Al Qaeda would buy them front-row seats in global jihad, but instead the money was divvied up among leaders in Yemen for their personal gain, according to court records.

Hundreds of pages of court documents in Kansas City and New York illustrate how Khalid Ouazzani — a Kansas City used auto parts salesman and failed real estate investor — and two other naturalized American citizens were fleeced out of tens of thousands of dollars by Al Qaeda leaders who exploited their zeal to wage holy war, The Kansas City Star reported.”

###
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http://www.kansascity.com/2013/06/29/4320933/terrorist-from-kc-falls-prey-to.html

“Al-Qaeda bunco artist rolls terrorist from KC”

June 29
BY MARK MORRIS
The Kansas City Star

SNIPPET: “Instead, The Doctor admitted that he and Suffian divided the material loot between them, gave some of the money to the families of Islamic martyrs and bought a couple of automobiles.”

SNIPPET: ““(The Doctor’s) plan was to take the Americans’ money,” Suffian is quoted as saying in one FBI interview. “For example, (The Doctor) was planning on using the $45,000 to open an appliance store.””

NOTE The following text is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2013/brooklyn-man-sentenced-in-manhattan-federal-court-to-18-years-in-prison-for-providing-material-support-to-al-qaeda

Brooklyn Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 18 Years in Prison for Providing Material Support to al Qaeda

U.S. Attorney’s Office
September 30, 2013

Southern District of New York

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Sabirhan Hasanoff was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 18 years in prison for providing and attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda associates in Yemen and elsewhere and for conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda over the course of nearly three years. Hasanoff, who was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in 2010 and transferred to United States custody, pled guilty in June 2012 to one count of providing and attempting to provide material support and resources to al Qaeda and one count of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to al Qaeda. He pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood, who also imposed today’s sentence.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated, “Today’s sentence reflects the egregiousness of Sabirhan Hasanoff’s conduct. The defendant not only funneled equipment capable of being used for nefarious purposes and thousands of dollars to al Qaeda operatives abroad, he also travelled to U.S. soil to surveil a major New York landmark for a potential terrorist attack. We will not hesitate to continue, with our law enforcement partners, to pursue individuals engaged in similar behavior and do what we can to ensure they are brought to justice.”

According to various public filings and sworn statements made by the defendant during proceedings in Manhattan federal court:

From 2007 through late 2009, Hasanoff supported al Qaeda in a variety of ways. Hasanoff and his co-defendant, Wesam El-Hanafi, sent equipment, including remote-controlled devices capable of use in an explosives attack, to terrorist operatives abroad. In addition, Hasanoff and El-Hanafi together funneled approximately $67,000 to al Qaeda operatives overseas. Hasanoff and El-Hanafi collected some of this money from a third individual who resided in the United States. During this time, both defendants used aliases to disguise the source of their money when making cash donations to their terrorist contacts and made extensive plans for travel to engage in jihad in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

In August 2008, Hasanoff entered the United States from abroad, travelled to New York City, and performed surveillance on the New York Stock Exchange—all on instructions from overseas terrorists who were considering the location for a possible attack. The information that Hasanoff gathered on the stock exchange was then sent to the terror operatives.

* * *

In addition to his prison term, Hasanoff, 37, a dual citizen of the United States and Australia who resided in Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment fee and forfeiture in the amount of $70,000.

El-Hanafi pled guilty in June 2012 to one count of providing and attempting to provide material support and resources to al Qaeda, and one count of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to Al Qaeda. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York-based Joint Terrorism Task Force—which principally consists of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives of the New York City Police Department. Mr. Bharara thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs, the Kansas City-based JTTF, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri for their extraordinary assistance in this matter.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. Cronan, Aimee Hector, Glen Kopp, Michael Lockard, and Brendan R. McGuire are in charge of the prosecution.

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