Federal Officials In Idaho Arrest Uzbekistan National On Terrorism Charges

The arrest was the culmination of an investigation by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division, which covers Idaho and Utah; and Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF) in Idaho and Utah, which include a number of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Kurbanov’s activities were closely monitored by federal agents during the investigation and any potential threat posed by Kurbanov has been contained. Kurbanov is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Boise tomorrow. He will be transferred to Utah at the conclusion of the prosecution in Idaho. “Today’s arrest and these indictments underscore our commitment to aggressively and thoroughly investigate those who conspire to engage in unlawful terrorist activities,” said Olson. “The thorough and exhaustive work of our JTTF, in partnership with our investigating and prosecuting partners in Utah, Colorado and at the National Security Division, put a stop to this criminal activity and ensured the public’s safety. I commend the men and women at every level of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Ada County and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices and the Boise City Police Department, who assisted in this effort.” “One of our highest priorities is disrupting potential acts of terrorism. The coordinated investigation, arrest, and indictments in this case demonstrate the commitment of all involved to do just that. The tireless work of agents, analysts, and law enforcement officers to detect and guard against acts of terrorism has helped ensure the safety of the communities they serve,” Utah U.S. Attorney David B. Barlow said today. “The judicial part of the process will now begin in Idaho and Utah.” “Today’s arrest underscores the need for continued vigilance against terrorist threats both at home and abroad. I thank the many agents, analysts and prosecutors responsible for this important investigation,” said John Carlin, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “As always, the FBI’s top priority is the safety and security of our nation and its citizens. The indictments and arrest are the result of months of exhaustive investigation on the part of agents, analysts, and officers who worked indefatigably to achieve that end,” Mary Rook, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Division, said. Idaho Charges The Idaho indictment alleges in count one that between August 2012 and May 2013, Kurbanov knowingly conspired with unnamed co-conspirators to provide material support and resources to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The indictment alleges that the material support and resources included himself, computer software and money. In count two, the indictment further alleges that the defendant conspired to provide material support and resources, including himself, to terrorists knowing that the material support was to be used in preparation for and in carrying out an offense involving the use of a weapon of mass destruction. The indictment also alleges in count three that on or about Nov.15, 2012, Kurbanov possessed a destructive device consisting of a combination of parts intended for use in converting any device 3 into a destructive device and from which a destructive device could be readily assembled. According to the indictment, the parts were a hollow hand grenade, hobby fuse, aluminum powder, potassium nitrate and sulfur. If convicted on the Idaho charges, Kurbanov faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on each of the conspiracy counts and 10 years in prison on the possession of an unregistered destructive device count. The Idaho charges are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Lucoff and Heather Patricco and National Security Division Trial Attorney Larry Schneider. Utah Charges The one-count indictment filed in Utah alleges that from about Jan. 14, 2013, continuing through Jan. 24, 2013, Kurbanov 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 with the intent that the teaching, demonstration and information be used for, and in furtherance of, an activity that would constitute a federal crime of violence. The indictment alleges the defendant showed internet videos, conducted instructional shopping trips, provided written recipes and gave verbal instructions on where to obtain the necessary components to construct and use improvised explosive devices. The indictment also alleges that Kurbanov intended that the videos, written recipes, verbal instructions, and shopping trips be used for training in the construction and use of explosive devices to commit a crime of violence, such as the use of weapons of mass destruction; bombings of a place of public use, a public transportation system or infrastructure facility; or destroying a building in interstate commerce. If convicted on the Utah charge, Kurbanov faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The Utah charges are being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney David B. Barlow, Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Huber and National Security Division Trial Attorney Larry Schneider. An indictment is not a finding of guilt and is not evidence. Individuals charged in an indictment are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.