An American teen was arrested Thursday on suspicion of trying to raise money for ISIS via the dark web, according to the Massachusetts District Attorney’s Office.
Matteo Ventura, 18, appeared in court on Thursday on a count of “deliberately concealing the source of material support and resources for a foreign terrorist organization.” press release The U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote:
Ventura allegedly sent gift cards to alleged ISIS sympathizers “with the intention of selling them on the dark web for a little less than face value and using the proceeds to support ISIS.” . According to a press release, Ventura called his purpose “war on Kfar,” or “disbelievers.” Ventura allegedly donated $705 to support ISIS between January and May 2023. (Related: Michigan man convicted of joining ISIS, training in terrorism tactics)
A close-up of the Justice Department building in Washington, D.C. (Stephanie Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Ventura faces up to 10 years in prison, lifelong supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted, according to his attorney’s office.
Twenty-seven Americans had previously been repatriated from Iraq and Syria to face charges of aiding ISIS. according to October 2020 press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).Samantha Sully targeted by Frontline PBS for her involvement in ISIS documentarywas first american woman Repatriated from Syria or Iraq and convicted on ISIS-related terrorism charges. She was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for smuggling “cash and gold” to ISIS. according to November 2020 release from the Department of Justice.
