Federal authorities have charged three men with attempting to provide support to the Islamic State (ISIS). The Justice Department reports the group planned violent actions against American military personnel.

Details of the Allegations

The accused include Bisaam Ghafoor of Leawood, Kansas, Elias Shamsaldeen of Porterville, California, and Bereen Dzayee of Lakeside, California. They allegedly wired over $2,000 to a person they thought was part of ISIS. According to prosecutors, the men used communication platforms like Discord to discuss their plans and show allegiance to ISIS.

“This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Background of the Accused

Bereen Dzayee previously served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS John S. McCain from 2021 to 2024. Despite his military background, he allegedly partnered with the other two men to assist ISIS. FBI agents tracked the trio through social media content that endorsed ISIS activities.

Activities and Communications

The complaint alleges that from February 2025 through June 2026, they coordinated efforts to provide ISIS with funds meant for advanced weaponry, including drones. Ghafoor expressed a desire to see his name on a rocket-propelled grenade aimed at U.S. targets. Shamsaldeen allegedly wanted to harm American troops and shared views on growing up with an anti-American mindset, influenced by his mother.

Efforts to Conceal and Facilitate Payments

The suspects tried to disguise their payouts to ISIS as charitable acts. Investigations revealed attempts to use cryptocurrency ATMs to transfer money, which were unsuccessful in completion.

The actions by these individuals underscore ongoing threats and illustrate efforts by U.S. authorities to thwart such plots.