Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa Sentenced to 30 Years and 4 Months in Prison for Funding ISIS

A federal judge sentenced Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa to 30 years and 4 months in prison. The Department of Justice disclosed on May 9 that Chhipa transferred over $185,000

A federal judge has sentenced Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa to 30 years and four months in prison for transferring over $185,000 in cryptocurrency to Islamic State (ISIS) handlers, the Department of Justice announced on Monday, May 9.

Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, operated the network from October 2019 through October 2022. The money he collected was wired online and in person, then converted into crypto and forwarded to handlers in Turkey.

The sentence comes after Chhipa was convicted by a jury in December 2024 on one count of conspiracy and four charges of providing material support to a listed terrorist organization.

According to the DOJ, Chhipa's actions involved collecting funds from various donors, converting them into cryptocurrency, and transferring the crypto to ISIS handlers.

The sentence also includes an order for Chhipa to pay restitution to the victims of the offenses.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Payne highlighted the serious nature of Chhipa's crimes, stating that he "knowingly and intentionally" provided material support to ISIS, a designated terrorist organization.

The judge emphasized that ISIS is a violent group responsible for beheadings, bombings, and other atrocities, and that any support for such an organization carries significant weight.

"This sentence reflects the critical role that all members of society can play in combating terrorism," said U.S. Attorney Harrison. "Those who choose to support designated terrorist organizations will be held accountable for their actions."

The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Springfield office, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Prince and Mark A.H. Messina.