Missouri Auto Parts Dealer Khalid Ouazzani Pleads Guilty of Funding Al Qaeda
An auto parts dealer in Kansas city who had sworn allegiance to Al Qaeda pleaded guilty on Wednesday of participating in conspiracy to provide financial support to the terror outfit.
The 32 year old dealer, Khalid Ouazzani, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006, admitted sending $23,500 to al-Qaeda between August 2007 and mid-2008.
He had spoken with others about ways to help al Qaeda including plans to support them in their fight in Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia, US Attorney Beth Phillps did not think that Khalid poses a threat to the Kansas city area.
Ouazzani has pleaded guilty of money laundering, and other crimes like bank fraud and also conspiracy to provide material support to terrorist outfits.
It has been reported that in April 2007 -- Ouazzani took out a $175,000 loan from Union Bank saying it was for his auto parts business, but rather used this money to buy an apartment in UAE. In 2008, he sold an apartment in the United Arab Emirates for $17,000 and gave the money to al Qaeda.
Later Quazzani sold his Truman Used Auto Parts in August 2007 and gave $6,500 which he got from the proceeds to al Qaeda.
Ouazzani is looking at up to 65 years in federal prison without parole plus a fine of up to $1 million.
