Edison Man Lied About Links To Terror Organization In Citizenship Application: Feds

EDISON, NJ — An Edison man was indicted for lying on his citizenship application about ties to a terrorist organization, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Gafur Abdudzhamilovich Aliev, 44, is accused of falsely denying connections to ISIS while simultaneously admitting to supporting the group, U.S. Attorney John Giordano said.

Aliev is charged with one count of making a false statement on an application for naturalization and one count of perjury.

According to the indictment, Aliev was actively involved with ISIS-related social media channels between 2018 and 2020.

The social media application with encryption features targeted members, associates, supporters, and potential recruits of ISIS.

He allegedly told associates that he had sent money to the terrorist organization for weapons and argued that financial support was crucial for conducting jihad, according to the indictment.

On or about December 26, 2020, Aliev, under penalty of perjury, falsely stated in his application for naturalization that he had never been a member of, or in any way associated with, a terrorist organization, Giordano said.

The false statement on a naturalization application count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The perjury count carries a maximum potential penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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