The trial of Mohammed Chhipa, a Virginia man accused of funneling funds to the Islamic State (ISIS), began Monday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. The 35-year-old Springfield resident is facing charges of terrorism after allegedly sending over $74,000 to ISIS through a Syrian member known as Umm Dujanah.
Prosecutors Detail the Alleged Scheme
During opening statements, federal prosecutor Andrew Dixon outlined the prosecution’s case, stating that Chhipa met multiple times with an undercover FBI operative who gave him money earmarked for ISIS. The defendant, Dixon claimed, converted the funds into Bitcoin and transferred them to accounts in Turkey, directly supporting ISIS.
Dixon also noted that Chhipa had a particular interest in helping women associated with ISIS escape detention camps in Syria and Iraq. Chhipa, who was aware of the illegal nature of his actions, allegedly fled the country at one point but was forced to return to the U.S.
Defense Claims FBI Entrapment
Chhipa’s defense attorney, Zachary Deubler, argued that the FBI had closely monitored Chhipa for years, scrutinizing his extremist views on social media. Despite their efforts, Deubler said the FBI had no grounds to arrest him until they resorted to entrapment tactics. These tactics allegedly included a fake marriage broker and a pretend bride, both intended to lure Chhipa into further illegal activities.
Deubler acknowledged that Chhipa had traveled out of the U.S., but he claimed that Chhipa was never arrested until his return, despite the FBI’s extensive surveillance of his activities.
Quirks in the Trial Proceedings
The trial opened with a few unusual moments, including Chhipa’s decision to appear in court wearing a green jail jumpsuit, rather than civilian clothes. Typically, civilian attire is provided to avoid potential prejudice against defendants.
During the proceedings, Chhipa’s family also made headlines for their refusal to stand when the judge entered the courtroom. U.S. District Judge David Novak warned the family that they would be taken into custody if they did not comply, although no arrests were made.
Connections to Other ISIS Figures
Prosecutors also revealed Chhipa’s alleged connection to Allison Fluke-Ekren, an American woman who pleaded guilty to organizing a women’s battalion for ISIS. Chhipa is reportedly trying to adopt Fluke-Ekren’s children, though prosecutors emphasize that his online marriage to Fluke-Ekren is not legally recognized in the U.S.
