New York City woman sentenced to 18 years in jail for financing terrorism with Bitcoin
A woman from New York has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for using Bitcoin to finance a terrorist group in Syria. Victoria Jacobs, also known as Bakhrom Talipov, was found guilty of terrorism financing through cryptocurrency by a jury in a New York State court. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office stated that Jacobs was deeply involved in online terrorist networks and helped raise and launder thousands of dollars for Syrian terrorist groups.
Jacobs was convicted of three felony counts of supporting an act of terrorism, as well as conspiracy, money laundering, and possession of a weapon. According to prosecutors, she sent over $6,000 to a terrorist group called “Malhama Tactical” and laundered $12,000 by collecting money from supporters worldwide through cryptocurrency and wire transfers. The funds were then sent to Bitcoin wallets controlled by the terrorist organization.
Prosecutors revealed that Jacobs not only sent cryptocurrency but also provided a detailed U.S. Army handbook on making improvised munitions to an online group associated with the terrorist organization. She also purchased Google Play gift cards for the group. In an online forum, Jacobs identified herself as a “brother” operating behind enemy lines and requested prayers for the success of certain missions.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist funding, with authorities targeting individuals and organizations involved in using cryptocurrencies for illicit purposes.
