A woman from Upstate New York was arrested for allegedly attempting to funnel cryptocurrency to a militant associated with the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a group officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Authorities say Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, conducted a series of about 80 crypto transfers amounting to more than 30,000 USDC to an individual identifying as a PIJ fighter in Gaza.
Financial records analyzed by the Justice Department revealed that Washburn's transactions formed a steady stream rather than isolated incidents. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force executed search warrants earlier this year, which uncovered electronic communications between Washburn and the supposed fighter. These messages reportedly involved discussions of PIJ attacks, weaponry, and ammunition, raising concerns beyond mere political expression.
The DOJ highlighted that the recovered communications included statements from Washburn expressing support for violent actions, referencing the date of a major attack in Israel. The charges she faces carry significant penalties, including a potential 20-year prison sentence and a substantial fine.
In addition to the charge of providing material support to a terrorist organization, prosecutors link Washburn to the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), a group advocating direct action rather than peaceful protest in response to the conflict starting with events on October 7, 2023. The case is prosecuted by officials from the Western District of New York and the DOJ’s National Security Division.