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Virginia
Bitcoin for ISIS? Feds say Virginia man bankrolled terrorists with crypto
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Virginia man accused of funneling tens of thousands of dollars to ISIS is on trial in a federal court in Alexandria, with prosecutors alleging he used cryptocurrency to support the terrorist organization.
Mohammed Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, is charged with sending funds earmarked for the Islamic State through a Turkish intermediary.
Prosecutors claim Chhipa converted more than $74,000 into Bitcoin and transferred it to accounts intended for an Islamic State member in Syria, known as Umm Dujanah.
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen illicit actors, terrorist financiers, and others look to cryptocurrency because it lives and moves outside the traditional financial system,” said Ari Redbord, a former senior Treasury advisor on terrorism finance. “But what’s missing in that conversation is that law enforcement…can track and trace the flow of funds on blockchains.”
Tuesday’s court proceedings were unusual, as much of the testimony occurred behind a gray wall separating the public gallery.
An undercover FBI agent testified about his communications with Chhipa, detailing plans to send funds and discussions of using suicide bombs.
In 2019, the FBI raided Chhipa’s Fairfax home, uncovering materials for building explosives.
Virginia man accused of sending money to ISIL remains behind bars
Virginia resident Mohammed Chhipa will remain behind bars on terrorism support charges after appearing in federal court in Alexandria today. FOX 5’s Katie Barlow was there in court Wednesday. She has the latest.
Defense attorneys argue Chhipa was entrapped by federal agents and portrayed him as a “lonely, sad” man manipulated by government sting operations.
“He was a lonely, sad, inflated man who the government tried to set up,” said defense attorney Zachary Deubler, claiming the FBI used a fake bride and marriage broker to gain Chhipa’s trust.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Watch CBS News
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Four new trollies will join the VB Wave Trolley fleet beginning May 10, when Virginia Beach Wave Trolley will resume its seasonal service along the oceanfront.
Trolley season lasts through September 25-27 for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.
A total of 14 new trollies will be part of the fleet this year, gradually replacing the older versions. The 29-foot trolley replica buses seat 29 people and feature wooden seats, with “sky-blue and sand-colored brown exterior,” according to Hampton Roads Transit (HRTS). Last year, 281,507 riders used the trolley system.
“This year marks the 42nd season of the VB Wave trolley, and these new trollies will provide a comfortable, safe, and efficient ride for visitors and locals alike,” William E. Harrell said. He is the president and CEO of HRT. “As part of our partnership with the city of Virginia Beach, the VB Wave makes it easy for everyone to visit attractions and explore the Oceanfront and beyond without the hassles of parking or the high cost of gas,” Harrell said.
The following routes will operate May 10 through Sept. 27 for the Neptune Festival:
Route 30 is the Atlantic Avenue Trolley, running along the Oceanfront between JT’s Grommet Island Park to Fortieth Street. This service operates daily from 8 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Route 31 is the aquarium and campground trolley along General Booth Boulevard. It runs daily from 9:30 a.m.-11:10 p.m. through Labor Day and again on Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 11 through Sept. 27. Route 31 also extends to Atlantic Avenue and 18th Street.
Route 35 is the Bayfront Bus, providing service between Parks Avenue and 19th Street and Shore Drive and Pleasure House Road, enabling customers to visit Chesapeake Bay beaches, First Landing State Park, and Bayfront restaurants. It operates daily from 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. through Labor Day and then Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from Sept. 11 through the Sept. 27 festival
The VB Wave trolley connects to HRT bus lines, Routes 20 and 960, with access to the Newtown Road Light Rail Station and the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Fares are $2 one way or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult. Riders can pay for tickets using HRT’s GoMobile app and a credit card. Riders can create and manage multiple virtual cards and reload value for easy group boarding, and need to have a unique scannable virtual card for boarding. Children are not required to scan a virtual card or pay fare when boarding with an adult.
Customers can also tap to pay using credit and debit cards. KOA Campground, Virginia Gift Shop, nine Sunsations locations, and Ocean Wave Gift Shop sell tickets. Riders can also pay with exact change cash onboard the trolley.
In addition, HRT is introducing a new route in Virginia Beach beginning May 10. The new Route 981 will connect the Amazon Fulfillment Center (ORF 4) at 1795 Dam Neck Road with the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Route 33 service is being restored to Atlantic Avenue and 68th Street 365 days a year to support the oceanfront hospitality industry.
Virginia
PHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Police are at the scene of a firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments Saturday afternoon, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The department also confirmed there are no shooting victims at this time.
10 On Your Side is at the scene and working to gather more information about the situation.
10 On Your Side will update this story when more information is available.
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