Man indicted in Virginia Jihad Network case(With ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba)

Md. man accused in 'jihad network' probe

The Associated Press

Posted: Friday September 16th, 2005, 11:30 AM
Last Updated: Friday September 16th, 2005, 11:30 AM

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Maryland man was charged with conspiracy to help a terrorist organization, part of an investigation of the "Virginia jihad network" that has so far resulted in 10 convictions, U.S. law enforcement officials said Friday.

Ali Asad Chandia of College Park, Md., is named in a four-count indictment alleging he conspired to provide material support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization, which the U.S. designated a terrorist organization in 2001. Chandia was arrested Thursday at his home, assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher said.

The indictment was returned on Wednesday and unsealed Friday after Chandia's arrest.

Also charged is Mohammed Ajmal Khan of Coventry, England, who prosecutors say is a senior official in Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic rebel group fighting for independence in the India-controlled portion of Kashmir. Khan already is in custody in England on terrorism charges.

Ali al-Timimi, who authorities called the spiritual leader of the Virginia jihad network, was sentenced to life in prison in July after being convicted of soliciting treason and other charges. Prosecutors say al-Timimi wielded enormous influence among a group of young Muslim men in northern Virginia who played paintball games in 2000 and 2001 in preparation for holy war around the globe.

Nine other members of the group have been convicted for their roles in the conspiracy, with prison terms ranging from three years to life.