Posted on 01/11/2008 12:47:46 PM PST by NormsRevenge
BOSTON - Three former leaders of an Islamic charity were convicted Friday of duping the U.S. government into getting tax-exempt status by hiding the group's pro-jihad activities.
Care International Inc., which is now defunct, described its mission as helping war orphans, widows and refugees in Muslim nations. But prosecutors said the organization also distributed a newsletter promoting jihad and supported Muslim militants involved in armed conflicts around the world.
Emadeddin Muntasser, the founder of Care International; Muhammed Mubayyid, the group's former treasurer; and Samir Al-Monla, the president of Care from 1996 to 1998, were charged with tax code violations, making false statements and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
The federal jury found them guilty on all counts, except a false statements count on which Al-Monla was acquitted.
"Today's verdict is a milestone in our efforts against those who conceal their support for extremist causes behind the veil of humanitarianism. For years, these defendants used an allegedly charitable organization as a front for the collection of donations that they converted for the purpose of supporting violent jihadists," Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Wainstein in Washington said in a statement.
Defense attorneys, who did not immediately return calls for comment Friday, had accused prosecutors of trying to sensationalize the charges into a terrorism case by highlighting the newsletter.
Muntasser, 42, owner of the Logan Furniture Co., was born in Libya and now lives in Braintree. Mubayyid, 42, was born in Lebanon and now lives in Shrewsbury. Al-Monla, 50, was born in Kuwait, now lives in Boston and is a U.S. citizen.
“Three former leaders of an Islamic charity were convicted Friday of duping the U.S. government into getting tax-exempt status by hiding the group’s pro-jihad activities.”
They should have been convicted of funding JIHAD. The tax-status of said organization is a lesser charge.
Just venting what seems like common sense though...which means it won't happen.
Good news bump!
Notice that their group is called “CARE”? Bwahahaahaa...
Excellent news indeed. Finally the courts were able to convict some terrorist organization hiding under the fake cover of charity.
Great to hear some of these Islamist sleezbags where finally caught.
Thanks NR and E.
Finally. Tax evasion is better than naught.
That’s how they nailed Capone. And then he died of syphillis.
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