Washington, D.C. — The Department of Justice announced today that a California man has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a foreign terrorist association.
Since February 2025, Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, has been communicating with a law enforcement-controlled individual online. Akhtar believed the individual to be a member of ISIS. Akhtar told the individual that he supported ISIS and jihad. He expressed to the individual a desire to travel overseas to join ISIS and send guns and money.
In April 2025, Akhtar provided financial support through funding on multiple occasions. During the investigation, the law enforcement-controlled individual confirmed that ISIS had received the money and used it to buy several guns. Akhtar responded, “may Allah destroy our enemies” and said he would send more money that same day. Akhtar also talked about planned acts of violence.
On June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual whom he was led to believe was an ISIS associate but was actually an undercover employee. According to the Department of Justice, Akhtar brough clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns and six additional magazines.
Akhtar’s conviction would mean a maximum 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will give a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines as well as other statutory factors.
