U.S. federal authorities have arrested three American citizens accused of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The conspiracy included cryptocurrency transfers intended to finance attacks on U.S. servicemembers overseas.
According to the official press release, the FBI arrested the three following a multi-state counterterrorism operation spanning Kansas and California. The suspects were identified as Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California.
Crypto transfers allegedly used to support ISIS
According to the criminal complaint filed in the District of Kansas, the three men allegedly conspired between February 2025 and June 2026 to support ISIS through financial contributions, services, and recruitment efforts.
Investigators allege the group collectively transferred more than $2,000 to an individual they believed was a member of ISIS. Authorities claim the funds were intended to help acquire weapons, including drones and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), for attacks targeting U.S. military personnel deployed overseas.
The complaint further alleges that one RPG projectile carried Ghafoor’s name, while Shamsaldeen provided funds specifically intended for drone purchases.
Court documents also state that the defendants used Discord chats, voice calls, and encrypted messaging platforms to discuss ISIS ideology and potential attacks.
According to prosecutors, Ghafoor allegedly said it would be “sick” to have his name written on a drone used against Americans. Dzayee allegedly suggested targeting U.S. Special Forces personnel, while Shamsaldeen reportedly expressed a desire to attack a U.S. servicemember.
Investigators also allege the group discussed traveling overseas to join ISIS and expressed willingness to die on behalf of the organization.
Dismantling anti-national networks
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the arrests demonstrate the government’s continued focus on disrupting terrorist networks before attacks can occur. “This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice,” Blanche said. “Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation prevented potential acts of violence against American servicemembers. “These subjects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks, and even targeted U.S. service members — but the FBI stopped them cold,” Patel said.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg added that the defendants allegedly intended to finance attacks against American military personnel.
Growing concerns around crypto’s role in terror financing
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Kansas City, San Diego, and Sacramento led the investigation, with assistance from additional field offices and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The defendants have been charged with conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Authorities emphasized that the complaint contains allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns among regulators and law enforcement agencies regarding the misuse of cryptocurrencies in terrorism financing and illicit cross-border transactions.
In a recent case in India, investigators arrested two additional suspects in an alleged ₹226 crore crypto terror-financing operation. Police alleged that the accused used stolen KYC credentials to operate a Binance wallet that received approximately 5,000 USDT and was linked to a broader network involving suspected terror financing, cybercrime activities, and dark web transactions.
The development followed a series of crypto-related enforcement actions in India, where authorities have increasingly targeted networks accused of using digital assets to move illicit funds across borders while concealing the identities of those involved. While blockchain analytics tools have improved authorities’ ability to trace suspicious transactions, officials continue to monitor how extremist groups and criminal organizations attempt to leverage digital assets for fundraising, money laundering, and operational support.
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