Federal agents have arrested a California man on charges of attempting to provide financial support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the FBI’s Los Angeles office announced Friday.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, allegedly made a series of money transfers to individuals abroad who claimed affiliation with the terrorist organization. He faces one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization—a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Villanueva, a resident of Long Beach, is a lawful permanent resident originally from the Philippines, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
“Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” said Patrick Grandy, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, in a statement.
Grandy credited the Joint Terrorism Task Force for Villanueva’s safe apprehension and added that the arrest helped disrupt further support of ISIS activities and ideology.
According to a federal affidavit, Villanueva allegedly used social media to communicate with two individuals who described themselves as ISIS fighters. In those exchanges, he expressed a willingness to assist the group financially and even voiced a desire to join the fight himself.
“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” Villanueva reportedly said. “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
In other messages, Villanueva claimed to possess a bomb and knives. When agents arrested him Friday morning, they discovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device in his bedroom.
The affidavit also states that in February, Villanueva asked one of the ISIS contacts whether a money transfer would “cover your equipment and your weapons,” and he discussed using a third party to complete the transaction.
Records from Western Union indicate Villanueva sent a total of 12 payments amounting to $1,615 over five months. The funds were allegedly funneled through two intermediaries and accessed overseas.
“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” said Bill Essayli, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. “We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”
