Federal jury convicts Kurbanov on terrorism charges
A federal jury in the District of Idaho returned guilty verdicts today against Fazliddin Kurbanov, 33, on charges that he conspired and attempted to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessed an unregistered destructive device.
The jury found the defendant not guilty on two other charges. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin and U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson of the District of Idaho made the announcement.
Kurbanov’s conviction followed a 20-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge of the District of Idaho. The jury deliberated two days before reaching its verdict.
“Fazliddin Kurbanov conspired to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzebekistan and procured bomb-making materials in the interest of perpetrating a terrorist attack on American soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the law enforcement community and its partners, the threat posed by Kurbanov was disrupted and he will now be held accountable for his crimes. The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and seek to do harm to our country and our citizens.”
Sentencing is set for November 10, 2015. Kurbanov faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and attempt counts, and 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device.
In addition, Kurbanov faces a separate one-count indictment in federal court in Utah alleging that from about January 14, 2013, continuing through January 24, 2013, he taught and demonstrated how to make explosive devices, and distributed information relating to the manufacture and use of an explosive or weapon of mass destruction. His alleged intent was that the teaching, demonstration and information be used for, and in furtherance of, an activity that would constitute a federal crime of violence. The Utah indictment was returned in May 2013, at the same time as the Idaho indictment.
