FBI: California Man Allegedly Sent Payments to ISIS Terrorists, Kept Bomb Materials at Home

The Long Beach resident allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS terrorist group, wired funds to fighters, and kept bomb components in his bedroom.

Evidence of explosives recovered by law enforcement, in Long Beach, Calif., in this undated photo. FBI Los Angeles

A Long Beach, California, man was arrested on Aug. 1 on a federal complaint accusing him of wiring money to the ISIS terrorist group and possessing what authorities described as bomb components in his home.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a 28-year-old permanent U.S. resident from the Philippines, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a crime carrying a maximum 20‑year prison term, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced on Aug. 1.

“Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” Patrick Grandy, acting assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said in a statement. “The FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.”

FBI agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force, assisted by FBI SWAT, arrested Villanueva early on Aug. 1. Photos released by the bureau show a foil‑wrapped device studded with ball bearings and connected to batteries, which prosecutors said resembled a bomb and was seized during the search of Villanueva’s bedroom.

According to a court affidavit, Villanueva allegedly used social media to communicate with individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters, pledged allegiance to the group, and expressed interest in joining its cause. In those exchanges, Villanueva allegedly told one ISIS terrorist, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith,” adding, “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.” In another message, he claimed to possess “a bomb and knives.”

Prosecutors alleged that Villanueva later offered to send money to the ISIS fighters to help fund equipment and weapons. Western Union records show that he sent 12 payments totaling about $1,600 over five months through intermediaries overseas.

“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. “We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”

Villanueva was scheduled for an initial court appearance on Aug. 1 in Los Angeles. The Epoch Times has been unable to reach Villanueva’s legal representative for comment.

His arrest comes a month after a Stockton, California, man was charged in a similar case. On June 24, federal prosecutors announced the arrest of 33-year-old Ammaad Akhtar, accusing him of attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

According to the Justice Department, Akhtar allegedly began communicating in February with an individual whom he believed to be affiliated with the terrorist group—but who was in fact controlled by law enforcement. Over several months, Akhtar allegedly expressed support for terrorist acts in the name of jihad, and discussed traveling overseas to fight for the group.

Investigators alleged that Akhtar made multiple financial transfers to the undercover operative and later delivered $400, two firearms, ammunition, clothing, and binoculars during a meeting. He also allegedly pledged loyalty to ISIS and sought guidance on making a homemade explosive device, according to prosecutors.

Akhtar’s case remains pending in federal court.

The arrests come amid renewed warnings from international and U.S. security officials about the evolving threat posed by ISIS and affiliated groups worldwide. A report released on July 24 to the U.N. Security Council said offshoots of ISIS and al‑Qaeda are expanding their reach in Africa, seizing more territory and intensifying operations in regions such as the Sahel and East Africa.

While the African theater remains a focal point for these groups, the report warned that ISIS‑Khorasan—the group’s Afghanistan‑based branch—continues to radicalize individuals abroad, including in the United States.

It cited recent U.S. cases linked to ISIS inspiration, including the Jan. 1 truck attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people and a foiled mass‑shooting plot targeting a Michigan military base in May.