California Man Arrested For Allegedly Sending Money To ISIS, Faces 20 Years

A 28-year-old man from Long Beach, California, has been arrested by the FBI on allegations that he sent money to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the Department of Justice.

Authorities say Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a permanent U.S. resident originally from the Philippines, faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

Investigators reported that Villanueva was in contact with individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters through social media earlier this year. In those conversations, he allegedly expressed support for the group and offered to send money, saying, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven. Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”

Over a five-month period, Villanueva allegedly sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 through intermediaries who accessed the money overseas, according to Western Union records cited by the DOJ.

During his arrest, agents recovered what appeared to be a bomb from his bedroom, based on images posted by the FBI on Facebook and X.

“Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” said Patrick Grandy, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

This case follows the earlier arrest of a 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member accused of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at a U.S. military base in Michigan.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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