One-Time San Diegan Linked to ISIS Is Set to Be Sentenced for Terrorism Charges

A former San Diego resident who pleaded guilty to federal charges for providing money and other resources to support terrorist activities in Syria is expected to be sentenced Monday.

Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi admitted in San Diego federal court in December that he wired funds for the purpose of taking part in terrorism overseas. Prosecutors say the acts included the “killing, kidnapping and maiming of persons.”

Abdullahi worked with several others in these efforts, including Douglas McCain, another former San Diego resident who died in 2014 while fighting for ISIS in Syria, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

McCain’s brother, Marchello McCain, also formerly of San Diego, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on firearms charges and charges of lying to federal agents regarding his assistance to those involved in terrorist activities.

Prosecutors allege that in 2014, Abdullahi robbed a jewelry store in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in order to obtain the money to fund Douglas McCain’s travel to Syria. He also encouraged others to commit crimes such as theft in order to produce more funds to support terrorist activities, prosecutors allege.

A grand jury returned an indictment charging Abdullahi in 2017. He was arrested about six months later by Canadian authorities and was extradited to the U.S. in October 2019. He had been set for an April sentencing in San Diego federal court.

Source: Timesofsandiego