Feds Move to Seize Life Insurance Payments of San Bernardino Shooter

RIVERSIDE, CA - Federal prosecutors filed court papers in Riverside today seeking to seize the proceeds of two life insurance policies worth a total of $275,000 held by San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook.

In the years prior to the Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center, Farook obtained two insurance policies through his employment with San Bernardino County -- one for $25,000 in 2012, and another for $250,000 in 2013.

The U.S. Attorney's Office filed the asset forfeiture lawsuit in Riverside federal court against the proceeds of the life insurance policies. The "application for arrest in rem" must be approved by a federal judge before the money can be seized by the government.

Under federal law, any assets derived from a crime of terrorism against the United States, its citizens or residents, or their property, are subject to forfeiture by the government.

"Terrorists must not be permitted to provide for their designated beneficiaries through their crimes," said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker. "My office intends to explore every legal option available to us to ensure these funds are made available to the victims of this horrific crime. We will continue to use every tool available to seek justice on behalf of the victims of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks."

The attack was carried out by Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik.

Fourteen people were killed and two dozen wounded. The shooters died during a gun battle with police a few hours later.

Farook's older brother, his wife and sister-in law, are charged with federal conspiracy, marriage fraud and other alleged crimes uncovered in the wake of the massacre.

Enrique Marquez, a friend of Farook's, has been indicted for supplying the shooters with the rifles to perpetrate the IRC killing spree.

— By City News Service.  Image via Shutterstock.