Toronto man admits to sending $35,000 to ISIS through crowdfunding and cryptocurrency platforms
A Toronto resident has pleaded guilty to charges in what authorities are calling the largest terrorism financing case in Canadian history.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 36-year-old Khalilullah Yousuf entered his plea on May 12, 2025, at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto.
As per the agreed statement of facts cited by the RCMP, Yousuf raised over $15,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.
He also sent more than $35,000 to multiple recipients in support of Daesh, also known as ISIS, between September 2019 and December 2022.
The RCMP said he used cryptocurrency and money transfers to finance terrorism outside Canada.
According to the RCMP, Yousuf also pleaded guilty to participating in terrorist group activities by creating and distributing over 3,800 internet-based hyperlinks with the intent to radicalise, indoctrinate, and recruit individuals for Daesh.
The RCMP stated that from October 2020 to March 2021, Yousuf communicated with a US-based individual later convicted of attempting to provide material support to the same terrorist group.
As reported by Global News, court documents reveal that Yousuf raised funds by claiming donations were for Palestinians in Gaza and Muslim religious events.
These included campaigns such as “Ramadan Appeal for Gaza” and “Our sister Palestine Umm from Gaza.” He also used funds received through unemployment insurance and COVID-19 emergency benefits to contribute to Daesh.
Global News reported that Yousuf received photos of weapons, ammunition, and an ISIS flag as confirmation from recipients of how the money was being used.
Yousuf also admitted in court to producing ISIS propaganda, as well as instructional materials on joining the group and committing attacks.
A note found on his encrypted hard drive stated that he believed “the Islamic caliphate was the only acceptable form of rule,” and that he had pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu al-Hussain al-Hussaini al-Qurashi.
The RCMP stated that this is the largest terrorism financing conviction to date in Canada in terms of monetary value.
They also noted it is the first successful terrorism financing conviction involving the use of cryptocurrency and online crowdfunding platforms.
Yousuf received a 12-year prison sentence. With time served in custody prior to trial, he faces nine more years in prison.
According to RCMP Superintendent James Parr of the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in the Greater Toronto Area, the investigation succeeded “through partnership and dedication.”
He said the GTA Terrorist Financing Team halted an individual responsible for supporting terrorist activities.
The RCMP acknowledged contributions from several Canadian and international agencies, including FINTRAC, CBSA, CRA, PPSC, MAG, TPS, the FBI, Maldives Police Service, and Spain’s Guardia Civil.
Crown prosecutor Ira Glasner said in court, that the case involved “a significant amount of complex evidence related to cryptocurrency, online undercover operations and digital forensics.”
Intelligence expert Jessica Davis described the case as “the third terrorist financing conviction in Canada,” and said it serves as “an important signal to others who might seek to send funds to terrorist groups abroad.”
