FBI Arrests Man for Alleged Support of ISIS
The FBI in Los Angeles announced on Friday the arrest of a federal agent who claimed to have sent a California man to ISIS.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, is facing charges for attempting to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations.
Living in Long Beach, Villanueva is a legal permanent resident originally from the Philippines, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
“Villanueva has reportedly provided financial support and pledged loyalty to groups targeting U.S. interests both domestically and globally,” stated Patrick Grandi, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
“Thanks to the diligent work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, we were able to safely apprehend Mr. Villanueva today, preventing any further support for the ISIS ideology,” he added.
According to the affidavit, Villanueva used social media to interact with two individuals who identified themselves as ISIS fighters.
In these discussions, he expressed his interest in supporting ISIS and even mentioned wanting to send money to help them.
At one point, Villanueva told one of the fighters, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” indicating a serious commitment to the cause.
He claimed he would “be there one day soon,” expressing a desire to join their fight.
Villanueva also mentioned having a bomb and a knife during his conversations.
When FBI agents arrested him on Friday morning, they discovered what seemed to be an explosive device in his bedroom.
Earlier this year, he had offered to send money to an ISIS fighter, inquiring whether it would cover their equipment and weapons. Additionally, records from Western Union suggest he transferred a total of $1,615 over five months to two intermediaries for access to funds abroad.
“Supporting terrorist groups, whether at home or abroad, poses a significant risk to our national security,” stated Bill Essay, a U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. “We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who assist our adversaries.”
