Sketches of Izhar Khan and and his father Hafiz Khan in federal court following their arrest on charges of conspiracy and providing material support to Pakistani Taliban. (CBS4)
MIAMI (CBS4) – The lawyer for a Miami Muslim cleric accused of funneling money to terrorists in Pakistan has asked that prosecutors turn over the true identity of the FBI’s key informant.
Hafiz Khan, his 24-year old son Izhar who is a cleric at a Margate mosque and another son Irfan are accused of wiring at least $50,000 to the Pakistani Taliban. Three other people, including a daughter and grandson of the elder Khan, are also charged but remain in Pakistan.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the money sent by this group was used to buy guns and fund a madrassa (religious school) owned by Hafiz Khan which sheltered terrorists and trained children to kill Americans.
Khan’s attorney said in court papers that learning the informant’s true identity is critical in preparing his defense.
The informant helped drive Khan to appointments and assisted him in dealing with government programs such as Medicare. Evidence shows the informant recorded numerous conversations with the Khan.
The FBI recordings form the backbone of the U.S. case against Khan and his family.
All are charged with four terrorism support-related crimes. The charges each carry potential 15-year prison sentences.
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