Posted on 09/14/2009 12:50:55 PM PDT by Fali_G
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2500505/posts
#
NEW YORKAPRIL 26, 2010
“Police Let Terrorist Slip Through”
By SEAN GARDINER
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/england/birmingham/10337961.stm
Page last updated at 18:38 GMT, Thursday, 17 June 2010 19:38 UK
“Plastic bags to be put over Birmingham ‘terror cameras’”
SNIPPET: “A surveillance operation in parts of Birmingham with large Muslim populations has been halted after it was revealed the move was linked to counter terrorism.
Some out of 218 cameras, mainly in the Washwood Heath and Sparkbrook districts, will be covered with bags.”
SNIPPET: “However, it has since emerged the cash had come through the Terrorism and Allied Matters (TAM) fund, which is administered by the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (Acpo).
The SBP - a partnership of the police, the city council and other agencies - said on Thursday: “Although the counter-terrorism unit was responsible for identifying and securing central government funds and has overseen the technical aspects of the installation, the camera sites were chosen on the basis of general crime data - not just counter-terrorism intelligence.””
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Previously...
Quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2387217/posts
Birmingham’s Rashid Rauf linked to new US terror plot
SUNDAY MERCURY.net ^ | Nov 15 2009 | by Ben Goldby, Sunday Mercury
Posted on November 15, 2009 8:10:17 PM PST by Cindy
SNIPPET: “TERROR mastermind Rashid Rauf has been linked to a fresh Al Qaida plot to launch attacks on the US.
The Birmingham-born extremist has been named by witnesses due to testify against Najibullah Zazi, who was arrested for plotting suicide bombings in New York.
MI6 officers have linked the plot to a complex terror network said to be directed from Pakistan by Rauf and fellow jihadists.
Zazi, 24, was identified through an intercepted communication, and was further implicated by US national Bryant Neal Vinas, who was captured in Pakistan last November.
Vinas, 26, allegedly admits meeting Rauf and receiving training to blow up a train on the Long Island Rail Road inside New York’s busy Pennsylvania Station.”
(Excerpt) Read more at sundaymercury.net ...
TOPICS: Front Page News; US: Colorado; US: New York; United Kingdom; Click to Add Topic
KEYWORDS: alqaeda; alqaida; birmingham; bryantnealvinas; colorado; globaljihad; internet; islam; jihad; li; longisland; longislandrailroad; newyork; ny; pakistan; pennsylvaniastation; railroad; rashidrauf; rauf; uk; vinas; zazi; Click to Add Keyword
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1 posted on November 15, 2009 8:10:19 PM PST by Cindy
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To: All
Note: Photo included.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/108585/Britain-s-top-terrorist/
16th November 2009 By Brendan Abbott
SNIPPET: “Extremist Rashid Rauf is said to have helped train a terrorist to blow up a packed train in a chilling July 7-style massacre.
MI6 officers have linked the plot to a complex terror network said to be directed from Pakistan by Rauf and fellow jihadists.”
The Islamist fanatic is suspected of being al-Qaida’s chief recruiter in Pakistan for European attacks.
2 posted on November 15, 2009 8:12:28 PM PST by Cindy
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“DEAD OR ALIVE”
BY HARRY UNDERWOODFIRST
POSTED SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
SNIPPET: “Rashid Rauf is the reason we’re not allowed to go through airport security with a bottle of water. The hooded, long-nosed extremist was the mastermind behind the plot to use Lucozade bottles and batteries to blow up at least seven planes flying across the Atlantic, for which three men were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday. Had Rauf’s plan succeeded, 18 suicide bombers might have killed 5,000 people.
A leading go-between for young, angry British Muslims and the terrorist network al-Qaeda, Rauf was also linked to the 2004 attempt to blow up London nightclubs with explosive fertiliser, to the murders of 52 people in the 7/7 bombings in 2005, and to the failed attempts to bomb London again a fortnight later.”
4 posted on November 15, 2009 8:18:12 PM PST by Cindy
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To: All
BACKGROUND LINK:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2339523/posts
“FBI raid Queens, NY home in terror investigation” [ZAZI]
http://twitter.com/breakingnews ^
Posted on September 14, 2009 12:50:55 PM PDT by Fali_G
5 posted on November 15, 2009 8:19:56 PM PST by Cindy
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http://www.ksro.com/news/article.aspx?id=2361810
6/30/2010 4:48 PM
“US officials: Al-Qaida operative tied to NY plot”
By ADAM GOLDMAN and MATT APUZZO Associated Press Writers
#
Blogs:
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/203144.php
June 30, 2010
“’Dirty Bomber’ Adnan Shukrijumah Linked to Thwarted NYC Subway Bombing, Met with Najibullah Zazi [UPDATE: Up to 3 in US met with him]”
SNIPPET: “UPDATE: It looks like another of the NYC Plotters, Zarein Ahmedzay, definitely met with Shukrijumah and that Zazi and one other may have met with him. See end of post for details.”
#
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/06/30/the-return-of-adnan-shukrijumah/
“The return of Adnan Shukrijumah”
By Michelle Malkin • June 30, 2010 05:53 PM
SNIPPET: “Adnan Shukrijumah. Does the name ring a bell? It should if you have been a regular reader of this blog since its inception in 2004.
In August 2004, I reported on the FBI search for the high-profile fugitive and al Qaeda operative billed as the “next Mohammed Atta.” There’s been a $5 million bounty on his head for six years. He has been reportedly spotted at or near the Mexican border and allegedly has met with Latin American gangs. In 2007, his name came up in wiretaps related to the busted NYC/JFK bombing plot.
Well, he’s still on the loose. And he’s still apparently hard at work on global jihad.”
Thread that goes with post no. 623:
Quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2544942/posts
US officials: Al-Qaida operative tied to NY plot
(AP) via KSRO.com ^ | June 30, 2010, 4:48 pm | Adam Goldman and Matt Apuzzo
Posted on July 1, 2010 3:50:41 AM PDT by Cindy
SNIPPET: “U.S. counterterrorism officials have linked one of the nation’s most wanted terrorists to last year’s thwarted plot to bomb the New York City subway system, authorities said Wednesday.
Current and former counterterrorism officials said top al-Qaida operative Adnan Shukrijumah met with one of the would-be suicide bombers in a plot that Attorney General Eric Holder called one of the most dangerous since the 9/11 terror attacks.”
(Excerpt) Read more at ksro.com ...
Quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2547498/posts
Imam leaves United States under plea deal in terror case
cnn ^ | 7/5/10 | Susan Candiotti
Posted on July 5, 2010 10:33:01 PM PDT by Nachum
(CNN) — A New York imam who pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents as they investigated an alleged terror plot left the United States on Monday as part of his plea deal, a government spokesman and the imam’s attorney told CNN.
Imam Ahmad Afzali and his wife left on a 2 p.m. flight to live in Saudi Arabia, said Afzali’s attorney, Ron Kuby.
A government spokesman confirmed Afzali’s departure.
After his guilty plea earlier this year for lying to federal agents in the case involving Najibullah Zazi’s alleged subway bombing plan in New York City, Afzali had 90 days to “self-deport” from the United States and was required to wear an ankle monitor until his departure, according to Kuby. The ankle monitor was removed before Monday’s flight, Kuby said.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Photo:
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http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/imam_entangled_in_terrorism_case_ky8Bz8PaKXz7wZZbpzmKrN
“Imam entangled in terrorism case deported
AP
Last Updated: 8:02 PM, July 5, 2010”
Posted: 8:02 PM, July 5, 2010
SNIPPET: “An imam who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the investigation into a suicide bomb plot against New York City subway stations has been deported.
The lawyer for Ahmad Afzali says Afzali and his wife left on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight to Jeddah on Monday afternoon. Two immigration agents accompanied him to the plane to ensure he got on.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2544942/posts
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2339523/posts
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http://www.fbi.gov/terrorinfo/elshukrijumah.htm
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http://www.investigativeproject.org/blog/2010/07/the-pilot-indicted-in-ny-subway-plot
“The Pilot” Indicted in NY Subway Plot
by IPT News • Jul 7, 2010 at 4:47 pm
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July 7, 2010
Quote:
http://newyork.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/nyfo070710a.htm
Charges Unsealed Against Five Alleged Members of al Qaeda Plot to Attack the United States and the United Kingdom
WASHINGTON—The Justice Department today announced charges against five members of an al Qaeda plot to attack targets in the United States and United Kingdom. The charges reveal that the plot against New York’s subway system uncovered in September 2009 involving Colorado resident Najibullah Zazi was directed by senior al Qaeda leadership in Pakistan, and was also directly related to a scheme by al Qaeda plotters in Pakistan to use Western operatives to attack a target in the United Kingdom.
The superseding indictment, which was returned and unsealed today in the Eastern District of New York, charges the following defendants each with several terrorism violations: Adnan El Shukrijumah, also known as “Hamad;” Adis Medunjanin, also known as “Mohammad;” Abid Naseer; Tariq Ur Rehman; and a fifth defendant known as “Ahmad,” “Sohaib,” or “Zahid.” Each of the defendants faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
According to the indictment, court filings and plea proceedings in the case, the plot involving Zazi was organized by Saleh al-Somali, Rashid Rauf, and El Shukrijumah, who were then-leaders of al Qaeda’s “external operations” program dedicated to terrorist attacks in the United States and other Western countries.
Between September and December 2008, Saleh and El Shukrijumah recruited Zazi and Zazi’s co-conspirators, Zarein Ahmedzay, and Medunjanin, to conduct suicide bombings in New York City using improvised explosive devices made from supplies such as hydrogen peroxide, acetone, flour, and oil. According to the indictment and court filings, Saleh communicated with Zazi through “Ahmad,” an al Qaeda facilitator in Peshawar, Pakistan. In early September 2009, after Zazi constructed the detonator explosives for the attack, he e-mailed with “Ahmad” in Pakistan about the proper ingredients for the flour-based main charge explosive. Zazi pleaded guilty to his role in the New York subway plot on February 22, 2010; Ahmedzay similarly pleaded guilty on April 23, 2010.
The indictment adds formal charges against El Shukrijumah, a 34-year-old native of Saudi Arabia who served as one of the leaders of al Qaeda’s external operations program. According to the indictment, El Shukrijumah recruited Zazi, Ahmedzay, and Medunjanin to return to the United States and conduct terrorist attacks there. El Shukrijumah has been wanted by the FBI for several years and is the subject of a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. He remains at large.
The investigation by authorities in the United States and United Kingdom has revealed that “Ahmad” was also communicating with Manchester-based, United Kingdom resident Naseer. Naseer, like Zazi, was in Peshawar, Pakistan in November 2008, according to the court filings.
After returning to the United Kingdom, Naseer sent messages back and forth to the same e-mail account that “Ahmad” was using to communicate with the American-based al Qaeda cell on behalf of Saleh, the indictment and court filings allege. In the messages, Naseer used coded language to refer to different types of explosives. At the culmination of the plot, in early April 2009, Naseer, again using coded language, told “Ahmad” that he was planning a large “wedding” for numerous guests between April 15 and 20, 2009, and that “Ahmad” should be ready. Notably, “Ahmad” and Zazi had agreed on a similar code to mean the attack was ready to be executed, and Zazi e-mailed Ahmad that “the marriage is ready” just before he left Colorado for New York in early September 2009.
On April 8, 2009, Naseer and Rehman were arrested in the United Kingdom on terrorism charges. In connection with the arrests, U.K. authorities conducted searches of the plotters’ homes, where they found large quantities of flour and oil, as well as surveillance photographs of public areas in Manchester and maps of Manchester’s city center posted on the wall, with one of the locations from the surveillance photographs highlighted. Naseer is currently in custody in the United Kingdom. The United States intends to seek his extradition to face trial. Rehman is not in custody.
The superseding indictment also adds new charges to the pending indictment against Medunjanin. Specifically, the indictment charges that, in furtherance of the New York plot, and, after Zazi was already in custody, Medunjanin attempted to crash his car into another car on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens, N.Y. as a last attempt to carry out a suicide attack on American soil. Just before crashing his car, Medunjanin called 911 to identify himself and announce his intentions. Medunjanin remains in federal custody in the United States. No trial date has been set.
Medunjanin is charged with conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction; conspiring to commit murder abroad; providing and conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda; receiving military training from al Qaeda; committing and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and using firearms and a destructive device in relation to the above offenses.
Shukrijumah and “Ahmad” are each charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda; conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction; assisting the receipt of military training; committing and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and using firearms in relation to the same offenses. “Ahmad” is also charged together with Naseer and Rehman with providing and conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda and conspiracy to use a destructive device in relation to the U.K. branch of the plot.
“These charges underscore the global nature of the terrorist threat we face. They further reflect the effectiveness of mutual investigations and cooperation with our global partners in disrupting terrorism threats. I thank our counterparts in the United Kingdom for their assistance in this investigation,” said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.
“As today’s charges demonstrate, we will not rest in our pursuit of those responsible for plotting terrorist attacks,” said Loretta E. Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Ms. Lynch also expressed her gratitude to the law enforcement personnel, both domestic and foreign, who took part in the investigation.
FBI Executive Assistant Director Sean Joyce, National Security Branch said, “The threat posed by terrorists around the world is a threat to security and a threat to the rule of law. The transnational nature of this conspiracy, and its connection to plots targeted outside the U.S. underscores the importance of international coordination and collaboration to do everything we can to ensure public safety.”
“The charges announced today illustrate the coordinated and persistent attempts by our adversaries to harm American citizens,” said FBI New York Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos. “FBI personnel around the world are dedicated to working with our international law enforcement partners to uncover and thwart attacks.”
The investigation is being conducted by the New York, Denver, and Miami FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces, as well as the Washington Field Office of the FBI. The North West Counter Terrorism Unit and Greater Manchester Police Department have also provided significant assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida has also provided assistance in the investigation.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains mere allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
- View Adnan El Shukrijumah’s wanted poster
NY DAILY NEWS.com: "ADNAN SHUKRIJUMAH, BELIEVED TO BE THE NEW HEAD OF GLOBAL OPERATIONS FOR AL QAEDA, FBI SAYS" (SNIPPET: ""He's looking at attacking the U.S. and other Western countries. Basically through attrition, he has become his old boss." His old boss is none other than Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. What makes Shukrijumah especially dangerous is that he knows how America works, LeBlanc said.") (Updated August 6, 2010)
“New York subway plot was five days from success”
By Duncan Gardham, Security Correspondent 10:59PM GMT 14 Dec 2010
SNIPPET: “British intelligence helped foil an al-Qaeda plot to blow up the New York subway just five days before it was due to go ahead, it can be disclosed, as Abid Naseer, a suspect in the case, faces an extradition hearing in London.”
PHOTO CAPTION: “Najibullah Zazi: Zazi, from Denver, Colorado, is understood to have been given instructions by a senior member of al Qaeda in Pakistan over the internet. Photo: PA”
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/hearing_offers_new_insights_on_nyc_SkqOV9BOK08W3DKHZE1ZNJ
“Hearing offers new insights on NYC subway plot”
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Last Updated: 12:05 PM, March 8, 2011
Posted: 9:34 AM, March 8, 2011
SNIPPET: “A judge is hearing testimony about the government’s evidence against one of three men accused in an al-Qaida-sanctioned plot to attack New York City’s subway system.
Attorneys for Adis Medunjanin want the judge to throw out incriminating statements he made following his arrest early last year.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Eastern District of New York
March 15, 2011
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2011/indictment-unsealed-charging-additional-member-of-al-qaeda-plot
Indictment Unsealed Charging Additional Member of al Qaeda Plot
A superseding indictment was unsealed in Brooklyn federal court yesterday charging Ferid Imam, also known as “Yousef,” with providing and conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda, aiding and abetting the terrorist training of Najibullah Zazi, Zarein Ahmedzay, and Adis Medunjanin, and using a destructive device in furtherance of crimes of violence.1 The indictment was unsealed in coordination with Canadian authorities, who earlier today announced terrorism charges against Imam, who is a Canadian citizen. According to the Eastern District indictment, Imam aided and abetted Zazi, Ahmedzay, and Medunjanin’s receipt of military-type training from al Qaeda when the three men traveled to Pakistan in 2008. Zazi, Ahmedzay, and Medunjanin subsequently returned to the United States to carry out a plot to detonate improvised explosive devices on behalf of al Qaeda. This plot was uncovered and disrupted by law enforcement authorities in September 2009. Zazi pleaded guilty to his role in the plot on February 22, 2010; Ahmedzay similarly pleaded guilty on April 23, 2010.
If convicted of the crimes in the indictment, Imam faces between 30 years’ and life imprisonment.
The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.
“As today’s charges demonstrate, we will not rest in our pursuit of those responsible for plotting terrorist attacks,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. Ms. Lynch expressed her gratitude to the law enforcement personnel, both American and Canadian, who took part in the investigation.
“The three men already charged with conspiring to set off bombs in New York were also charged with receiving overseas training to accomplish that nefarious goal. Among other alleged acts of terrorism, Ferid Imam helped them get that training. Today’s charges are an important step in bringing to justice all the conspirators,” said FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge Fedarcyk.
NYPD Commissioner Kelly stated, “Today’s charges against Ferid Imam are a result of the successful partnerships forged between police, prosecutors, and intelligence agencies in our efforts to keep the threat of terrorism at bay.”
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
The Defendant:
FERID IMAM
Alias: “Yousef”
Age: 30
1 The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Note: Photos included.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/15/canada.new.york.plot/index.html
“Canadians facing terror charges in 2009 N.Y. subway plot”
From Paula Newton, CNN
March 15, 2011 3:39 p.m. EDT
Toronto (CNN) -
SNIPPET: “At a news conference in Winnipeg, Canadian police accused Ferid Imam, a former student at the University of Manitoba...”
SNIPPET: “Imam, 30, is charged with instructing to carry out terrorist activity and conspiracy to participate in the activity of a terrorist group. Another Canadian, Maiwand Yar, 27, was charged with conspiracy to participate in activity of a terrorist group and participation in the activity of terrorism. Yar is also a former student at the University of Manitoba.”
http://www.investigativeproject.org/2719/durbin-flawed-hearing
#
http://dailycaller.com/2011/03/28/durbin-flubs-muslim-discrimination-hearings/
“Durbin Flubs Muslim-Discriminations Hearings”
By Neil Munro - The Daily Caller | Published: 2:40 PM 03/28/2011 | Updated: 4:47 PM 03/28/2011
SNIPPET: “The number two Senate Democrat, Richard Durbin, has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to highlight claims of anti-Muslim discrimination, but his primary Muslim witness has publicly excused a U.S. imam for revealing an FBI investigation to a Muslim suspected-terrorist.
Durbin’s bungled choice for lead witness is another in a series of Democratic flubs that have paired top Democrats with anti-democratic, terror-excusing Islamists in the United States. According to a report released today by the non-profit Investigative Project on Terrorism, Durbin has already added to the flubs this year by visiting a mosque in Bridgeview, Ill., and posing for a photo with two Islamists who were named as unindicted conspirators in an Islamist project to smuggle funds to the Hamas Muslim terror group.
Hamas is an orthodox and militant Muslim terror group that controls the Gaza strip.”
“APNewsBreak: Norway questions NYC subway plotters”
By BJOERN H. AMLAND – 15 hours ago
SNIPPET: “OSLO, Norway (AP) — Security officials investigating a terror plot in Norway will seek testimony in New York this week from three American al-Qaida recruits turned government witnesses, defense lawyers told The Associated Press on Tuesday.”
SNIPPET: “The defense lawyers told the AP that Norway’s Police Security Service will question Najibullah Zazi and Zarein Ahmedzay, who have pleaded guilty in the foiled 2009 subway plot. They will also seek testimony from Bryant Neal Vinas, an American al-Qaida recruit who has cooperated with U.S. authorities since his capture in Pakistan.”
http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Jury-begins-deliberations-in-father-s-terror-case-1529791.php
“Jury begins deliberations in father’s terror case”
Updated 11:07 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011
SNIPPET: “NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have begun deliberating the fate of a father of an admitted terrorist who is accused of trying to cover up his son’s plan to bomb New York City subways.
Mohammed Wali Zazi (ZAH’-zee), the father of Najibullah (nah-jee-BOO’-lah) Zazi was arrested in 2009 after his son and two other would-be suicide bombers trained by al-Qaida were accused of plotting to attack the subways.”
http://www.investigativeproject.org/3057/father-of-ny-subway-bomb-plotter-guilty
For The Record - The IPT Blog
“Father of N.Y. Subway Bomb Plotter Guilty of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation”
by IPT News • Jul 22, 2011 at 6:08 pm
SNIPPET: “The father of would-be New York subway bomber Najibullah Zazi was convicted Friday for destroying material evidence and covering up facts he knew federal officials could use against his son in a federal terrorism investigation.
Najibullah Zazi pleaded guilty last year to acquiring explosives before travelling in September 2009 to N.Y.C. with the intent to use them in an attack against the city’s subway. The younger Zazi also admitted that he received training from and discussed his plans with al-Qaida leaders in Pakistan. Najibullah is still awaiting sentencing.
Najibullah’s father, Mohammed Wali Zazi, instructed family members to destroy bomb-making materials before authorities could find them. He also lied to authorities investigating Najibullah.”
[Note: Phone number from the press release removed by me for this post.]
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2011/father-of-would-be-suicide-bomber-convicted-of-obstructing-terrorism-investigation
Father of Would-Be Suicide Bomber Convicted of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation
U.S. Attorney’s Office
July 22, 2011
Eastern District of New York
Mohammed Wali Zazi, the father of convicted terrorist Najibullah Zazi (“Najibullah”), was found guilty today by a Brooklyn federal jury of destroying bomb-making materials and conspiring to obstruct the federal investigation into Najibullah’s and his co-conspirators’ terrorist plot to attack the New York City subway system.
The verdict was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James F. Yacone, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver Field Office; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office; and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.
Testimony and evidence at trial, as well as other court documents in this and related cases, established that a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York began investigating Najibullah’s plot to detonate improvised explosive devices in the New York City area in September 2009. The investigation by the grand jury and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Najibullah had sent e-mail messages to a contact in Pakistan seeking key ingredients for constructing a bomb, and had then rented a car in Denver, Colorado, and driven toward New York City. On September 11, 2009, while Najibullah was in New York City, the FBI conducted a covert search of his car and discovered handwritten bomb-making notes. Also on September 11, a Queens imam, who had been asked by authorities for information about Najibullah, tipped off the defendant and Najibullah about the investigation. Najibullah then returned to his home in Colorado.
After Najibullah returned to Colorado, his family members, led by the defendant Mohammed Wali Zazi, attempted to derail the federal investigation that was moving quickly to gather information about the plotters and the plot. For example, when asked about his relationship with the Queens imam who had tipped off the family about the investigation, the defendant lied to the FBI, claiming that he had no idea who the imam was—even though he had known the imam for years and had just engaged in a lengthy telephone call with him about the terrorist investigation. The defendant also lied about his relationship to Najibullah’s co-conspirator, Amanullah Zazi. Finally, the defendant directed family members to destroy Najibullah’s chemicals and other bomb-making materials so that the FBI would not find them.
When sentenced on December 2, 2011, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each of the two counts of conviction. Eastern District of New York Assistant U.S. Attorneys will also prosecute the defendant separately for visa fraud in the Southern District of New York.1
The defendant is the third individual to be convicted of attempting to obstruct the investigation in the Eastern District of New York into Najibullah’s and his co-conspirators’ terrorist plot. On January 8, 2010, Najibullah’s cousin, Amanullah, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and aiding Najibullah and others in the receipt of al Qaeda training, and on January 22, 2010, Najibullah’s uncle, Naqib Jaji, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice.
“This defendant sought to conceal one of the most serious terror plots in recent times. He also enlisted others to help him spin his web of lies and to destroy key evidence. Had the plot not been thwarted, it would have left Americans at grave risk,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Just as we and our partners in law enforcement will vigorously prosecute those who plot terrorist attacks, we will also seek out and bring to justice those who obstruct the government’s investigations into those plots.” Ms. Lynch expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the federal and state law enforcement personnel who took part in the investigation.
“Mohammed Wali Zazi may have been under no legal obligation to assist investigators. But he lied to them, impeding the investigation and obstructing justice. Being uncooperative is one’s prerogative. Obstructing justice is a crime,” said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk.
NYPD Commissioner Kelly stated, “One of the reasons for New York’s safety in the decade since 9/11 was manifested in today’s verdict. The collaboration between NYPD detectives and FBI agents, and the prosecutors’ pursuit of justice in the case, has once again demonstrated the importance of that partnership.”
The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Berit Berger, Andrew E. Goldsmith and Melissa Marrus of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorney Courtney Sullivan of the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney William Narus of the Counterterrorism Section.
1 The charges contained in the visa fraud indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2011/10/new-york-jihad-bomb-plotters-father-guilty-of-visa-fraud.html
“New York jihad bomb plotter’s father guilty of visa fraud”
SNIPPET: “Mohammed Wali Zazi, 56”)
(October 21, 2011)
Mohammed Wali Zazi was previously “convicted of destroying evidence of a failed plot to bomb New York City’s subways.” “New York Bomb-Plotter’s Father Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud,” by Thom Weidlich for Bloomberg, October 21 (thanks to Bill):
Oct. 21 (Bloomberg) —
Post no. 639 was a snippet - quote.
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