Businessman admits terror funding
A New York businessman accused of trying to funnel money to a terrorist training camp in Afghanistan admitted charges of terrorism financing and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari, who entered his plea before a federal judge in Manhattan, could face up to 25 years in prison.
Alishtari, 56, also known as Michael Mixon, of suburban Ardsley, had been accused of accepting an unspecified amount of money to transfer $152,000 he believed was being sent to Pakistan and Afghanistan to support the camp.
Prosecutors say he believed the money would be used to buy night vision goggles and other equipment.
Alishtari also pleaded guilty to stealing millions of dollars through a loan investment programme.
In 2003, Alishtari donated $20,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
The committee renounced the contribution and gave it to charity after news reports identified Alishtari as an NRSC "Inner Circle Member for Life".
Alishtari also donated more than $15,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
An NRCC spokeswoman said earlier that the committee would donate the money to charity if Alishtari was convicted.
