Terrorism Charges: New York woman accused of attempting to fund Palestine Islamic Jihad with cryptocurrency
US prosecutors allege the suspect sent more than $30,000 in cryptocurrency to an individual claiming to be a fighter linked to the designated militant group.
US authorities have charged a New York woman with attempting to provide cryptocurrency to a designated terrorist organisation.
Terrorism Charges have been filed against a 37-year-old woman from Irondequoit, New York, after US authorities accused her of attempting to provide financial support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a group designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The US Department of Justice said Catherine Beth Washburn was arrested and charged through a criminal complaint alleging she attempted to provide material support and resources by transferring cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to be a PIJ fighter in Gaza.
Prosecutors alleged that Washburn was a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), a group that authorities describe as an extremist organisation formed after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. According to the complaint, the group rejects peaceful protest and advocates acts of sabotage and property destruction in support of the Palestinian cause.
Investigators said the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified himself as a PIJ fighter and claimed to have participated in attacks against Israel.
According to the complaint, Washburn allegedly expressed support for armed violence, praised attacks against Israeli forces, and shared anti-Jewish statements during the conversations. Prosecutors also alleged that the exchanges included discussions about weapons, ammunition and militant operations.
Federal investigators said financial records showed that Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers worth about 30,116 USDC, equivalent to roughly $30,116, to an account allegedly used by the individual.
US officials said the charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if the defendant is convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division following an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The Department of Justice emphasised that the criminal complaint contains allegations only. Washburn is presumed innocent unless and until her guilt is proven in court.
