Overview

• Akhtar began online exchanges in February 2025 with someone he believed was an ISIS operative, expressing support for jihad and a desire to fight overseas.
• He directed multiple financial transfers in April 2025 under the false impression that his funds would purchase weapons for the group.
• Court documents show he discussed plotting violent attacks, including targeting individuals and creating homemade explosives for public events.
• On June 23, he met an undercover agent posing as an ISIS contact and provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded firearms and six magazines before swearing a pledge of loyalty.
• Prosecutors say he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine following an FBI investigation led by its Sacramento and New York field offices with NYPD support.