Federal authorities have arrested a 28-year-old man in California for allegedly sending financial support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and expressing interest in joining the group. The FBI’s Los Angeles office confirmed the arrest of Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a legal permanent U.S. resident originally from the Philippines, on charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Investigators say Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 over five months to intermediaries connected to ISIS fighters. He is accused of using social media to communicate with individuals claiming to be ISIS members, during which he declared his support and shared plans to contribute financially to their operations.
According to federal documents, Villanueva told one of the contacts he hoped to fight and die for ISIS, saying it would be an honor and the best path to heaven. He also claimed to possess weapons and a bomb, which agents later discovered in his bedroom when they arrested him early Friday.
FBI officials said the operation, carried out with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, prevented further assistance to ISIS and stopped the spread of its extremist ideology. Prosecutors noted that such actions threaten national security and vowed to pursue those who aid terrorist groups, whether through words or money.
If convicted, Villanueva faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
