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Russian national in California pleads guilty to funneling money to 'jihad' fundraiser supporting terror group

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2 years ago

January 11, 2024

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Russian national in California pleads guilty to funneling money to 'jihad' fundraiser supporting terror group

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A Russian national living in California has pleaded guilty to funneling tens of thousands of dollars to a “jihad” fundraiser supporting a known terror group.

The Justice Department announced that Murat Kurashev, 36, a Russian national who resided in Sacramento, pleaded guilty on Monday to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The FBI arrested Kurashev after a federal grand jury handed down the single-count indictment on Feb. 18, 2021.

According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorism in Syria.

Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev was accused of using money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers for an HTS fundraiser. Federal prosecutors say records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey, usually in increments of $1000.

MCCARTHY CONCERNED OF TERROR ‘SLEEPER CELLS’ IN US AMID ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR, SAYS SPEAKER MUST PRIORITIZE BORDER

Syrian fighters affiliated with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group load a pickup-mounted rocket launcher before firing at Syrian government forces’ positions in the northwest of Aleppo province on Jan. 1, 2024. (OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer, prosecutors said. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev during some of the transactions, according to the DOJ. Prosecutors said social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser made clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS.

Kurashev stated that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. As their conversations showed, Kurashev and the fundraiser believed that providing money in support of the HTS fighters “was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad,” U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert’s office said.

A Syrian fighter affiliated with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group operates the remote for a pickup-mounted rocket launcher firing at Syrian government forces’ positions in the northwest of Aleppo province on Jan. 1, 2024. (OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

US SHOULD ACT LIKE TERROR ‘SLEEPER CELLS’ ARE ‘ALREADY HERE,’ BORDER SECURITY EXPERT WARNS

According to court documents, Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts, which included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. Forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters, according to the Justice Department.

Kurashev is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on March 18, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Syrian fighters affiliated with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group inspect a pickup-mounted rocket launcher before firing at Syrian government forces’ positions in the northwest of Aleppo province on Jan. 1, 2024. (OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an American think tank in Washington, D.C., Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, HTS or the “Organization for the Liberation of the Levant,” traces its beginnings to the outset of the Syrian civil war and has remained a dangerous opposition force throughout the duration of the conflict.

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In May 2018, HTS was added to the State Department’s existing designation of its predecessor, the al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The think tank says that HTS retains a Salafi-jihadist ideology despite a public split from al-Qaeda in 2017.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for March 27, 2026

Published

1 hour ago

March 28, 2026

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 27, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 27 drawing

13-27-28-41-62, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from March 27 drawing

04-05-15-16, Bonus: 14

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 27 drawing

06-09-28-33-46, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Nevada

Friday’s high school scores, top performances

Published

1 hour ago

March 28, 2026

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Top performances

Baseball

– Ryland Gregorich, Clark: The sophomore went 4-for-4 with a home run, a triple and two RBIs, and also was the winning pitcher in the Chargers’ six-inning 12-2 win over Eldorado.

– Kayne Horibe, Pahrump Valley: The senior went 4-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs as the Trojans beat Virgin Valley 9-4.

– Benson Ornelas, Mater East: The freshman went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and five runs scored to help the Knights stomp Sunrise Mountain 35-0 in three innings.

– Dylan Othick, Faith Lutheran: The senior struck out nine while pitching a complete-game two-hitter as the Crusaders rolled past Durango 7-0.

– Mark Raborn, Shadow Ridge: The junior reliever pitched three scoreless innings, allowing the Mustangs to rally past Dixie (Utah) 5-3 with a five-run seventh inning.

Softball

– Ava Koenig, Palo Verde: The senior struck out 11 while tossing a complete-game one-hitter as the Panthers defeated Doral Academy 3-0.

– Sophia Ortiz, Las Vegas: The freshman went 3-for-3 with two RBIs to help the Wildcats beat Chaparral 20-5 in four innings.

– Natalie Tapia, Western: The senior went 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs as the Warriors outlasted Canyon Springs for a 16-10 victory.

– Gwen Thewes, Bishop Gorman: The junior went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs to help the Gaels overcome a six-run deficit to beat Green Valley 8-6.

– Peyton Williams, Arbor View: The freshman went 3-for-3 with a home run, a triple and four RBIs to lead the Aggies past Coronado 11-1 in six innings.

Boys volleyball

– Jeremiah James, Sierra Vista: The senior logged 15 assists to help the Mountain Lions defeat The Meadows 25-13, 25-21.

– Ethan Natanel, Durango: The senior finished with 38 assists and two blocks in the Trailblazers’ 25-18, 25-18 win over Mater East.

– Toller Trummell, Foothill: The sophomore posted seven kills and seven digs as the Falcons defeated Las Vegas 25-22, 22-25, 15-10.

Scores

Baseball

Arbor View 9, Snow Canyon (Utah) 5

Mater East 35, Sunrise Mountain 0

Pahrump Valley 9, Virgin Valley 4

Rancho 16, Desert Pines 1

Shadow Ridge 9, Taylorsville (Utah) 1

Shadow Ridge 5, Dixie (Utah) 3

Sierra Vista 4, Bonanza 2

Western 10, Cimarron-Memorial 1

Softball

Arbor View 11, Coronado 1

Bishop Gorman 8, Green Valley 6

Las Vegas 20, Chaparral 5

Pahrump Valley 6, Virgin Valley 2

Palo Verde 3, Doral Academy 0

Round Mountain 15, Laughlin 6

Round Mountain 11, Laughlin 2

The Meadows 16, Democracy Prep 0

Western 16, Canyon Springs 10

Boys volleyball

Arbor View 2, Moapa Valley 0

Cadence 2, Las Vegas 1

Centennial 2, Virgin Valley 0

Centennial 2, Legacy 0

Central East (Calif.) 2, Tech 0

Coral Academy 2, Sierra Vista 1

Coral Academy 2, Liberty 1

Coral Academy 2, The Meadows 0

Del Sol 3, Amplus Academy 0

Desert Oasis 2, Cadence 0

Durango 2, Mater East 0

Foothill 2, Cadence 0

Foothill 2, Las Vegas 1

Sierra Vista 2, The Meadows 0

Silverado 2, Durango 0

Sweetwater (Calif.) 2, Losee 0

Contact Jeff Wollard at jwollard@reviewjournal.com.

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New Mexico

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Published

2 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Regional gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.60 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.41 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Gas prices are jumping around because traders are trying to price in how long the Iran war will disrupt oil flows from the Middle East, on top of the usual spring run‑up in demand as driving season approaches. Markets are baking in higher risk and “additional volatility” but not a long-term shutdown, and prices could retreat if it becomes clear the tensions are short-lived, petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said.

Analysts say another 20 to 30 cents a gallon is still likely in the weeks ahead.

The average fuel price in the Gulf Coast region rose about 107 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the region in the last year have been as low as $2.37 on Jan. 5, 2026, and as high as $3.60 on March 23, 2026.

A year ago, the average gas price in the Gulf Coast region was 31% lower at $2.74 per gallon.

>> INTERACTIVE: See how your area’s gas prices have changed over the years at data.lcsun-news.com.

The average gas price in the United States last week was $3.96, making prices in the Gulf Coast region about 9.0% lower than the nation’s average. The average national gas price is higher than last week’s average of $3.72 per gallon.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s tally of prices in the Gulf Coast states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu.

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