An Irondequoit, New York woman has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, the Justice Department announced recently. Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, is accused of using cryptocurrency transfers and encrypted communications to send funds to an individual she believed was connected to militant activity in Gaza. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
"The allegations involve attempted financial support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad through digital currency transfers tied to an individual claiming involvement in attacks." — John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security
The organization in question, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), is officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States government. Providing material support to such groups is a serious federal offense, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine upon conviction. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to disrupt financial support networks for extremist organizations operating abroad, particularly those leveraging digital currencies to circumvent traditional banking oversight.
According to court filings, Washburn allegedly carried out approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers. These transactions, totaling about $30,000, were reportedly sent to an account linked to an individual with purported connections to militant activities. Investigators utilized digital forensic and blockchain analysis to track this financial activity, which they describe as sustained over time. The transfers allegedly occurred concurrently with ongoing encrypted communications, suggesting a coordinated effort to provide financial aid.
Further investigation by the FBI, including search warrants executed in early 2026, reportedly uncovered encrypted messages between Washburn and a contact who claimed to be a PIJ fighter operating in Gaza. These communications allegedly contained references to militant activity, discussions about weapons, and updates related to the ongoing conflict in the region. Prosecutors assert that messages also show Washburn expressing approval of violent actions and making hostile statements regarding Israel, indicating an ideological alignment with the militant activity referenced in the exchanges.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg commented on the case, stating, "The allegations involve attempted financial support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad through digital currency transfers tied to an individual claiming involvement in attacks." U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo further emphasized the gravity of the charges, remarking, "The conduct described in the complaint reflects support for violent extremist activity and underscores the seriousness of material support cases under federal law." FBI Counterterrorism officials noted that the investigation effectively combined financial tracing techniques with the analysis of encrypted communications to identify the alleged activity and the individuals involved.
Federal officials characterized this case as an integral part of broader counterterrorism initiatives focused on dismantling financial support networks for overseas extremist organizations. They specifically cited the increasing use of cryptocurrency channels to move funds outside conventional banking systems as a key area of concern and investigation. Washburn was arrested and made an initial appearance in federal court, where a judge ordered her detained pending further proceedings. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York in conjunction with attorneys from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. Authorities continue to monitor encrypted communications and cryptocurrency activity associated with designated foreign terrorist organizations as part of their ongoing efforts to safeguard national security.
Social media accounts attributed to Washburn were reviewed by Resist the Mainstream, the publication that reported on the story. These accounts reportedly contain posts describing Israel in adversarial language, including commentary related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, and statements referring to Israel in hostile terms alongside broader political commentary about the region. It is important to note that these social media posts are not cited in the charging document as evidence but were reviewed as part of the broader public record connected to the case. The official charges focus solely on the alleged material support provided through financial transactions and encrypted communications.
The arrest and charges against Catherine Beth Washburn serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by international terrorism and the evolving methods used by individuals to support such groups. Law enforcement agencies continue to adapt their investigative techniques to counter these challenges, leveraging advanced digital forensics to track financial flows and decipher encrypted communications. The outcome of this high-profile case will undoubtedly be watched closely by those monitoring the intersection of national security, digital currency, and international conflict. The Justice Department maintains its commitment to prosecuting individuals who attempt to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, reinforcing the message that such actions will be met with the full force of federal law. President Donald Trump’s administration has consistently prioritized national security and combating terrorism, and this prosecution aligns with those broader objectives.
