Virginia Man Charged in FBI Sting Goes on Trial for Alleged Support of Islamic State

A Virginia man, Mohammed Chhipa, is on trial for allegedly sending large sums of money to the Islamic State. His defence lawyer claims he was lonely and targeted by FBI sting operations, including one involving a fake bride. The trial began with opening statements in the US District Court in Alexandria.

Prosecutors allege that Chhipa met several times with an undercover FBI agent who gave him money intended for a Syrian woman and Islamic State member known as Umm Dujanah. Prosecutor Andrew Dixon stated that Chhipa converted the funds to Bitcoin and transferred them to accounts in Turkiye for the Islamic State.

FBI Operations and Allegations

Dixon explained that Chhipa sent over USD 74,000 to Turkiye, collecting donations and funnelling them through Umm Dujanah. He was particularly focused on aiding women from the Islamic State to escape prison camps after their defeat in Iraq and Syria. Chhipa was aware of his illegal actions, even fleeing the country at one point.

Chhipa's defence attorney, Zachary Deubler, argued that the FBI had been monitoring Chhipa for years due to his extremist views on social media but never found a reason to arrest him. Even after searching his home in 2019 and finding Islamic State propaganda, no charges were filed.

Entrapment Claims and Defence Strategy

Deubler acknowledged that Chhipa left the US through Latin America aiming for Egypt. Upon his return at Dulles International Airport, the FBI questioned him but did not arrest him. Deubler claimed the government's entrapment efforts included a fake bride and a supposed Muslim marriage broker.

"He was a lonely, sad, inflated man who the government tried to set up," Deubler stated. The trial began with unusual incidents; Chhipa appeared in a green jail jumpsuit, refusing civilian clothes typically provided to avoid jury bias.

Courtroom Incidents and Family Reactions

During a break, Chhipa's family refused to stand as the judge left the bench, prompting US District Judge David Novak to warn them about being taken into custody. Despite repeated directives from court security officers, no arrests were made as several family members continued their refusal.

Last year, prosecutors revealed that Chhipa considers himself married to Allison Fluke-Ekren, an American serving a 20-year sentence for leading an Islamic State battalion. However, prosecutors say this marriage lacks legal status in the US.

The trial is expected to last about a week. Prosecutors also mentioned Chhipa's attempts to adopt Fluke-Ekren's children. The case continues to unfold with both sides presenting their arguments.