Nicholas Young, a 36 year old Washington, D.C. Metro Transit Officer was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after attempting to send money via an app used by ISIS in recruiting its soldiers.
Young was trying to send $245 to an undercover FBI agent, who disguised as a link from the terrorist group, ISIS.
Young joined the service in 2003, but has been in security offiicial radar since 2010 after multiple ties to suspected terrorist links.
In 2011, Young admitted to travelling to Libya to join forces that were trying to overthrow Gaddafi government. He travelled twice to the region, and in one of his trips, Young was said to be carrying body armour, a Kevlar helmet, and “several other military-style items.”
Young is also an acquaintance to Zachary Chesser, a man that was sent to 25 years in prison for supporting Al-Qaeda terrorist group.
Security official also connected Young to a Moroccan national, Amine El Khalifi, who was arrested in 2012 on his way to US Capitol with explosive belts.
A search into this home revealed a large cache of firearms, including various types of rifles and handguns. Despite his arrest, the US justice department said that Young was not looking into carrying out any attack or anything that would disrupt the metro he was protecting.
Chief Ron Pavlik, Metro Transit Police, thanks the FBI and other security agencies who worked together for Young's arrest.
Young will appear before the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, his state of residence on Wednesday, and if found guilty, can face up to 20 years in prison time.