Buffalo, NY – An Irondequoit, New York, woman has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization Palestine Islamic Jihad, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors identified the defendant as Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, who is charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources in the form of currency to Palestine Islamic Jihad, also known as the Al-Quds Brigades. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Investigators allege cryptocurrency transfers
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn was a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, an extremist organization prosecutors say formed after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Authorities allege the group rejected peaceful protest in favor of sabotage and property destruction in support of the Palestinian cause.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed search warrants in February and March and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified himself as a Palestine Islamic Jihad fighter in Gaza. Investigators said the individual claimed to have participated in attacks against Israel.
An analysis of financial records allegedly showed Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling about 30,116 USDC, equivalent to roughly $30,116, to an account used by the individual.
Prosecutors cite messages praising attacks
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said investigators prevented the alleged financial support from continuing.
“Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism,” DiGiacomo said.
According to court documents, Washburn allegedly wrote in one message, “If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance,” and also stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Prosecutors further allege she expressed hatred toward Jewish people and celebrated attacks on Israeli soldiers in other communications cited in the complaint.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York along with the Justice Department’s National Security Division. A criminal complaint contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- An upstate New York woman was charged with attempting to provide material support to Palestine Islamic Jihad.
- Prosecutors allege she sent approximately $30,116 in cryptocurrency through about 80 transfers to an individual claiming to be a PIJ fighter.
- The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, and the allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
