Michigan Man Who Joined ISIS Is Charged With Additional Offenses

A 28-year old man who last resided in Dearborn, Michigan and who was previously indicted in July, 2018, with providing and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, was charged yesterday with additional offenses of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, possessing and discharging a machine gun in furtherance of a crime of violence, and receiving military-type training from ISIS.  Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, United States Attorney Matthew J. Schneider and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office made the announcement.

The superseding indictment was brought against Ibraheem Izzy Musaibli.  Mr. Musaibli will be arraigned on the new indictment in federal court in Detroit.

The superseding indictment alleges that, from April 2015 through June 2018, Mr. Musaibli knowingly provided and attempted to provide material support to ISIS, in the form of personnel and services, knowing that ISIS is a terrorist organization and that ISIS engages in terrorism.  The superseding indictment further alleges that Musiabli conspired to provide and provided material support to ISIS and that he received military-type training from and on behalf of ISIS.  The superseding indictment also charges Musaibli with knowingly possessing and discharging a machine gun in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, providing material support to ISIS.  Musabli, a natural-born U.S. citizen, was detained overseas by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and was transferred into U.S. custody in July 2018.

“The United States is committed to holding accountable its citizens who leave this country in order to support ISIS,” stated Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers.  “As alleged in the indictment, the defendant traveled overseas, joined ISIS, and received training from the terrorist organization.  He was ultimately detained overseas and turned over to the FBI.  With these charges, he will be held accountable for his crimes.  I want to thank all of those who are responsible for this investigation and prosecution.”

 “The superseding indictment against Musaibli adds charges to more fully capture his conduct while with ISIS for some two and one-half years,” said U.S. Attorney Schneider.  “The superseding indictment alleges that, during that substantial period of time, Musaibli provided material support to ISIS, conspired with others to provide support to ISIS, possessed and fired a machine gun in support of ISIS, and attended an ISIS military training camp.  This superseding indictment reflects our commitment to prosecute anyone who supports terrorists to the full extent of the law.”  

“By traveling to Syria to train and fight as a member of ISIS, Mr. Mousaibli fought against coalition forces, which included members of the US Military,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Slater. “This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force which remains committed to detecting, thwarting, and bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Mousaibli who allegedly provided material support to and fought on behalf of a designated foreign terrorist organization.”

The charges in the superseding indictment carry a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 40 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cathleen M. Corken and Kevin M. Mulcahy of the Eastern District of Michigan with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.