I might as well make a template with that headline, I have to use it so often in regard to the wonderful charitable works of our friends and allies the Saudis. “Saudi Charity Suspected of Aiding Terror,” from AP, with thanks to Teri:
PORTLAND, Ore. – A U.S. arm of a large Saudi charity suspected by the government of supporting terrorism was indicted on fraud and tax charges, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
The three-count indictment charges Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation and its two officers, Pirouz Sedaghaty – also known as Pete Seda – and Soliman Al-Buthe with illegally sending $150,000 to Muslim fighters in Chechnya.
The Bush administration last September designated the charity as a group suspected of supporting terrorism through its main location in Ashland and a mosque in Springfield, Mo. Assets at both sites have been frozen since last February.
Sedaghaty had been living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but the whereabouts of Al-Buthe were unknown. There was no word on any arrests.
A federal grand jury indictment Wednesday alleges an Egyptian citizen contacted the foundation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, seeking to donate money to Muslims in Chechnya. The indictment said $150,000 was transferred by wire to a foundation bank account in Ashland.