Former UA Student Pleads Guilty To Aiding Al-Qaeda

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A former University of Alabama student pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to helping the terrorist group al Qaeda. Alaa Mohd Abusaad was accused of attempting to provide support and resources to the terrorist organization.

An announcement by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Jay Town and Birmingham’s FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. said Abusaad entered her plea this morning.

"National security continues to be my office’s highest priority," Town said. "I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the FBI for its continued diligence and proactive work on this case and to the National Security Division’s Counter-terrorism Section for their continued commitment to our shared mission. The enemies of freedom come in many forms, but there is but one destination for those captured offending our laws in support of terror: a United States penitentiary."

Abusaad reportedly instructed a female undercover FBI informant how to send money to the mujahedeen – fighters engaged in jihad. She was living in Tuscaloosa at the time of the crimes, and was initially charged by federal authorities nearly one year ago. She was arrested in October 2018 in Ohio, according to an Alabama Media Group report.

The investigation began in February 2018 when Abusaad was introduced to the informant by another person.

Authorities say Abusaad advised the informant on how to send money in a manner that would avoid detection by law enforcement, including by using fake names and addresses when conducting electronic money transfers.

In April 2018, the informant wired $50 through Western Union to Mustafa Yelatan in Turkey. Court records say Abusaad told the informant, "And remember they can’t do anything to you. You were completely covered. May Allah protect you."

Abusaad faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.