Story perspectives

FBI Arrests Three for ISIS Drone Threats, Crypto Funding

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FBI arrested Bisaam Ghafoor, Elias Shamsaldeen and Bereen Dzayee in Kansas City, San Diego and Sacramento ISIS support charges.
Prosecutors say the three pledged allegiance to ISIS, boasted a drone could kill 300 million Americans, and transferred $2,000 in cryptocurrency to buy drones and rocket-propelled grenades.
FBI Director Kash Patel, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg said the arrests prevent attacks and demonstrate counterterrorism commitment.

History

Historical Context

After the 2001 9/11 attacks spurred the U.S. war on terror, federal agencies expanded to target online illicit finance. In September 2020 the FBI-led Operation Disruptor, coordinated with the Department of Justice and the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement, seized $6.5 million in digital currency and made 179 arrests worldwide, illustrating the evolution of crypto-focused counter-terrorism.

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Story summary

FBI arrested Bisaam Ghafoor, Elias Shamsaldeen and Bereen Dzayee in Kansas City, San Diego and Sacramento ISIS support charges.
Prosecutors say the three pledged allegiance to ISIS, boasted a drone could kill 300 million Americans, and transferred $2,000 in cryptocurrency to buy drones and rocket-propelled grenades.
FBI Director Kash Patel, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg said the arrests prevent attacks and demonstrate counterterrorism commitment.

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