California Man Arrested for Funding ISIS with $1,615 in Transfers
URGENT UPDATE: A 28-year-old man was arrested in Long Beach, California, on Friday for allegedly funneling money to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The FBI confirmed the arrest of Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a permanent U.S. resident originally from the Philippines, who now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
According to a statement from the Department of Justice, Villanueva was in contact with individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters via social media earlier this year. In these communications, he expressed a fervent desire to support the group and pledged financial assistance. “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” he allegedly wrote. “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
Over a five-month span, Villanueva reportedly sent a total of $1,615 through 12 payments to intermediaries who transferred the funds overseas, as revealed by records from Western Union. During the arrest, agents discovered what appeared to be a bomb in his bedroom, as shown in images released on the FBI’s social media platforms.
In a statement, Patrick Grandy, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the gravity of Villanueva’s actions: “Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world.”
This arrest follows a recent incident involving a 19-year-old former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, who was apprehended for attempting a mass shooting at a military base in Michigan on behalf of ISIS. The individual, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, had planned to attack the Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command and was charged with multiple offenses related to terrorism.
The arrest of Villanueva highlights ongoing concerns about domestic support for terrorist organizations within the U.S. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
As investigations continue, the FBI is expected to provide further updates on this case and any additional threats that may arise. The urgency of these developments underscores the critical nature of counter-terrorism efforts as authorities work to protect citizens from extremist actions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as officials release new information.
