Federal authorities say an Iraqi national accused of ties to an Iranian-backed militant group plotted attacks targeting Jewish centers in the United States, including a facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, was arrested in Turkey and extradited to New York, where he now faces multiple federal terrorism-related charges.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday in federal court in Manhattan, investigators allege Al-Saadi coordinated or encouraged attacks against Jewish and U.S. interests across several countries while also planning possible attacks inside the United States.
Charges
Federal prosecutors charged Al-Saadi with conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations, including Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Both organizations have been designated by the United States government as foreign terrorist groups.
Authorities also charged him with:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Material support for terrorism | Allegedly aiding terrorist operations |
| Conspiracy to bomb public places | Related to planned attacks |
| Support for foreign terrorist groups | Involving Kata’ib Hizballah |
| Terrorism conspiracy offenses | Connected to global attack planning |
If convicted, Al-Saadi could face a life prison sentence.
Alleged Plot
According to prosecutors, Al-Saadi discussed plans to target Jewish centers in Scottsdale, Los Angeles, and New York City.
The complaint states that he allegedly provided an undercover law enforcement officer with maps, photographs, and information related to potential targets. Authorities have not identified which Scottsdale facility was allegedly involved.
Investigators said Al-Saadi also sought to organize an attack on a synagogue in New York last month.
Federal officials allege he offered the undercover officer $10,000 in cryptocurrency in exchange for carrying out coordinated attacks on Jewish locations in Arizona, California, and New York.
According to court documents, Al-Saadi allegedly paid an initial installment of $3,000 and urged the operation to happen quickly.
In one text message cited in the complaint, prosecutors say he wrote: “I wanna see good news tonight . . . not tomorrow bro.”
Investigation
The FBI said the case involved coordination between federal agencies and international law enforcement partners.
Authorities allege Al-Saadi communicated through Snapchat, Telegram, and recorded phone conversations with an FBI informant.
According to prosecutors, he expressed willingness to kill people during planned attacks and encouraged violence against Americans and Jewish communities.
FBI Director Kash Patel described Al-Saadi as a “high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.”
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the investigation highlighted what officials describe as continuing threats linked to Iranian-backed militant groups.
International Cases
Federal prosecutors also accuse Al-Saadi of involvement in multiple attacks and attempted attacks outside the United States.
According to the complaint, investigators tied him to:
| Location | Alleged Incident |
|---|---|
| Toronto | Shooting at U.S. consulate |
| Canada | Synagogue attack |
| Amsterdam | Bombing at financial building |
| Paris | Attempted bombing at Bank of America office |
Authorities allege the attacks were coordinated in the name of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which prosecutors describe as a component of Kata’ib Hizballah.
In Amsterdam, officials said an attack caused significant building damage but no reported injuries. Prosecutors also cited a failed bombing attempt in Paris involving a homemade explosive device.
Court Appearance
Al-Saadi appeared in federal court following his extradition to the United States. He did not enter a plea during the hearing.
According to his attorney, Andrew Dalack, Al-Saadi considers himself a political prisoner and denied wrongdoing.
His lawyer also said Al-Saadi had been placed in solitary confinement after arriving at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn.
Federal authorities said he will remain in custody while the case moves forward, although he may later request bail.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials have not publicly identified additional suspects connected to the alleged plots.
Investigators also have not released further details regarding the Scottsdale location mentioned in court filings.
The FBI and federal prosecutors continue to investigate possible connections between the alleged U.S. plots and attacks in Europe and Canada.
Authorities say the case remains active.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the terrorism case?
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi was arrested.
Which Arizona city was mentioned in the case?
Authorities referenced a Jewish center in Scottsdale.
Where was the suspect arrested?
He was arrested in Turkey before extradition.
What groups is he accused of supporting?
Kata’ib Hizballah and the Revolutionary Guard.
Could the suspect face life in prison?
Yes, prosecutors said he could face life imprisonment.
