Key Points
- A New York woman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for using Bitcoin to fund Syrian terrorists.
- Victoria Jacobs was convicted of terrorism financing, conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Victoria Jacobs, also known by the alias Bakhrom Talipov, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by a New York State court. The 44-year-old woman was found guilty of financing terrorism through the use of cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin.
Details of the Case
According to a press release from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Jacobs was deeply involved in online terrorist networks. Her role included raising and laundering money for terrorist groups based in Syria.
The District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, noted that Jacobs facilitated the terrorist groups’ access to New York’s financial markets from the comfort of her Manhattan apartment. This assistance helped further the groups’ objectives.
Charges and Convictions
Jacobs faced multiple charges, including three felony counts of providing support for an act of terrorism, conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal possession of a weapon. The press release outlined that Jacobs sent over $6,000 to a terrorist group known as “Malhama Tactical.”
She also laundered $12,000 by collecting money from international supporters via cryptocurrency and wire transfers, including Western Union and MoneyGram. This money was then transferred to Bitcoin wallets controlled by Malhama Tactical.
The press release further revealed that Jacobs provided a detailed U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook to an online group associated with the terrorist organization to aid in bomb-making in Syria. She also purchased Google Play gift cards for the organization.
In an online forum, Jacobs referred to herself as a “brother” operating “behind enemy lines,” and requested prayers for the “courage, strength, guidance, and wisdom to carry out certain missions.”
