New York Woman Charged With Sending $30,000 to Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
New York Woman Charged With Sending $30,000 to Palestinian Islamic Jihad
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
Summary
Federal prosecutors charged Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, with attempting to provide material support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad after alleging she funneled more than $30,000 to the group.
About 80 cryptocurrency transfers went to an account used by a person claiming to be an active PIJ fighter in Gaza, according to financial records and FBI-recovered communications.
Justice Department filings say Washburn led the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, a group formed after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that rejected peaceful protest in favor of sabotage and property destruction.
Messages cited in the complaint allegedly showed Washburn expressing hatred of Jewish people, praising Oct. 7 and saying she would fight alongside Gaza militants; she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
How did a New York woman use cryptocurrency to secretly funnel $30,000 to a Gaza-based terror group?
What transforms a suburban American into an online financier for a designated foreign terrorist organization?
Crypto Terror Financing: The Arrest of Catherine Beth Washburn and the Crackdown on DAMPL’s $30,000 Support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Overview
Catherine Beth Washburn, identified as a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), is currently facing legal proceedings for allegedly supporting a foreign terrorist organization. DAMPL formed after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and is known for rejecting peaceful protest in favor of direct action, such as sabotage and property destruction. The group coordinates mainly through social media and has claimed responsibility for acts of vandalism. Their activities drew increased attention from the Anti-Defamation League, which shared information with law enforcement, and DAMPL has also formed alliances with other radical groups, highlighting growing concerns about extremist activism and terror financing.