A man from Long Beach, California, was arrested on March 15, 2024, for allegedly sending money to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The arrest was executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of an ongoing investigation into financial support for terrorism. Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, who is a permanent resident of the United States originally from the Philippines, now faces charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
According to the Department of Justice, Villanueva was in contact with individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters through social media earlier this year. In these communications, he allegedly expressed a strong desire to support ISIS’s activities financially. “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” he reportedly wrote, adding that he intended to join their ranks in the future.
Over a period of five months, Villanueva is accused of sending a total of $1,615 through 12 payments to two intermediaries, who then accessed the funds overseas, as confirmed by Western Union records cited by the Department of Justice. This financial activity raised significant concerns about his intentions and affiliations.
During the arrest, the FBI recovered what appeared to be an explosive device from Villanueva’s residence. Photos of the evidence were shared on the FBI’s official social media accounts, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Patrick Grandy, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, stated, “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.”
This incident follows a similar case earlier this year involving a 19-year-old former member of the Michigan Army National Guard. Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said was arrested after he allegedly attempted to execute a mass shooting plan targeting a U.S. military base in Michigan on behalf of ISIS. On the day of the planned attack, he was apprehended after launching a drone near the military installation. Prosecutors allege that Said offered to assist undercover law enforcement officers in carrying out the attack by providing training in firearms and creating explosive devices.
Both cases underscore the ongoing threat posed by individuals attempting to provide support for terrorist organizations. Authorities continue to monitor and investigate potential threats to national security, working to prevent such actions from escalating into violent acts.
