Related Federal Cases
Minh Quang Pham Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Terrorist Support
MINH QUANG PHAM, a/k/a ‘Amin,’ 41, was sentenced to 44 years in prison for terrorism charges based on Pham’s support of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (‘AQAP’), a designated foreign terrorist organization, including attempting to commit a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport (‘Heathrow Airport’).
The charges against Pham include providing and attempting to provide material support to AQAP and participating in a conspiracy to do the same; conspiring to receive military-type training from AQAP; and providing and attempting to provide material support for acts of terrorism.
Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear. Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.
The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP. The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.
According to the indictments, extradition materials, court filings and statements made at related court proceedings, including today’s sentencing, Pham traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, to wage jihad on behalf of AQAP and to martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.
Pham provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi advised Pham to return to the United Kingdom for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like Pham, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP. Al-Aulaqi also provided Pham with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that Pham was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K.
In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, Pham approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would ‘sacrifice’ himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught Pham how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed Pham to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow Airport.
The case is a reminder of the relentless terrorism threats targeting the U.S., our citizens, and our interests abroad. We thank our international partners for their collaboration over the last 15 years, particularly the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service, Metropolitan Police Service, and New Scotland Yard. Their work prevented Pham from conducting a terrorist attack at Heathrow Airport and later helped lead to his conviction in the U.S.
Defendant: Minh Quang Pham a/k/a ‘Amin,’ 41
Criminal Charges: Providing and attempting to provide material support to AQAP and participating in a conspiracy to do the same; conspiring to receive military-type training from AQAP; and providing and attempting to provide material support for acts of terrorism
City and State: New York
Exact Date: May 11, 2023
Sentence: 44 years in prison
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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