UMVA has learned that a shocking plot to support the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group has been uncovered, involving three men, including a U.S. Navy veteran, who have been charged with conspiring to provide material support to the terrorist organization.
The suspects, identified as Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California, allegedly plotted violence against American troops, with disturbing comments made about harming female soldiers and American service members.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the trio collectively sent over $2,000 to an individual they believed was a member of ISIS, sparking a federal investigation that led to their arrest and the dismantling of their alleged scheme.
The alleged ringleader, Dzayee, served in the U.S. Navy from 2021 to 2024, deploying aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain, raising questions about how a veteran could become radicalized and turn against their country.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the three men used Discord chats, voice calls, and other messaging platforms to coordinate their support for ISIS, pledge allegiance to the group, and plot attacks against U.S. military personnel from February 2025 through June 2026.
The FBI initially identified the trio through social media posts promoting the terrorist organization, leading to a thorough investigation that uncovered disturbing conversations between the co-conspirators, including discussions about funding drone strikes and purchasing advanced weaponry.
Ghafoor allegedly exclaimed that it would be "sick" if his name was written directly onto an attack drone, while Shamsaldeen allegedly provided money for drones intended to kill American service members deployed overseas, revealing a chilling intent to harm.
The court filings detail alleged conversations that are deeply disturbing, with Ghafoor claiming he had always wanted to kill a female soldier by beheading, adding, "I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans," and Shamsaldeen expressing a desire to stab an American service member.
The suspects also attempted to conceal their illicit transactions by masking the transfers to ISIS as a "donation" or "charity," and even tried to move funds using a cryptocurrency ATM, though those transactions ultimately failed.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks—anywhere."
