Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Supporting ISIS

Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi, a 28-year-old former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond, Texas, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS. From 2015 to 2020, he utilized his computer skills to assist the ISIS media arm known as the Kalachnikov team, contributing by developing logos and distributing hacking videos, stolen credit card information, and fraudulent identity documents to ISIS members. U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett has scheduled sentencing for June 5, where Alqaysi faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case has been investigated by the FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force with support from Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter alongside Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe. Alqaysi remains in custody pending sentencing. Authorities emphasize their commitment to addressing terrorism within U.S. communities.