Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Using Crypto to Fund ISIS Operations

A U.S. court has handed down a 30-year prison sentence to Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, who was found guilty of financing terrorism through cryptocurrency.

Federal prosecutors say Chhipa raised funds both online and in person before converting the money into digital assets and sending it overseas.

Between 2019 and 2022, he funneled more than $185,000 into crypto wallets linked to operatives in Turkey, with the funds ultimately used by ISIS affiliates in Syria. The money reportedly supported operations including prison breaks and logistical support for militant activities.

The jury convicted Chhipa on multiple counts, including conspiring to support a foreign terrorist group. Authorities described his actions as critical to sustaining terror networks, equating financiers with those who carry out attacks.

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The case highlights renewed concerns over the misuse of digital assets in international crime. While lawmakers continue to press for tighter controls—especially those critical of crypto’s role in illicit finance—industry data from Chainalysis suggests that illegal activity accounts for under 1% of total crypto transactions.

Alexander Stefanov