Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
CrimeNov 12, 2019
Jewelry Store Robbery Tied to ISIS Funding
Proceeds from an armed robbery in Edmonton, Alberta were used to fund Islamic State fighters in Syria, authorities say.
(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
San Diego—Canadian national Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi was recently extradited to the United States, accused of robbing a jewelry store in Edmonton, Alberta to fund Islamic State fighters in Syria.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego, Abdullahi and two accomplices robbed a jewelry store—identified in local media as VJ Jewellery—in January 2014 and used the money to finance the travel of Douglas McCain, the first known American who died fighting for the Islamic State, and others to Syria.
Approximately $3,100 was wired to Douglas, who traveled with a second person to Turkey and, later, to Syria where the two engaged in terrorist activities, authorities said.
Abdullahi sent an email to his co-conspirator a month after the robbery, explaining that he was having trouble pawning the jewelry, which caused a delay in sending the money, according to court documents.
This is the first case the Jewelers’ Security Alliance is aware of that involves proceeds from the robbery of a jewelry store in North America being used to fund terrorism, JSA President John J. Kennedy said in an email to National Jeweler Monday, although there have been cases in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.
“The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have been aware for many years, at least since 9/11, that criminal acts to supply money for terrorist goals was possible,” he wrote.
The indictment alleges Abdullahi, a former San Diego resident, facilitated the travel of at least three Canadian nationals and two U.S. citizens—including McCain—to Syria to join and fight for ISIS, all of whom were reportedly killed.
Abdullahi, among others, also wired money to third-party intermediaries in Gaziantep, Turkey, located about 40 miles from the Syrian border, to support ISIS fighters believed to have engaged in terrorist activity, including the killing, kidnapping and maiming of persons, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Terrorist networks like ISIS cannot exist without supporters,” U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said in the press release announcing Abdullahi’s extradition.
“Protecting Americans from terrorists is our highest priority, and we will work hard to bring justice to those who provide material support to foreign terror organizations.”
In March 2017, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California charged Abdullahi with conspiring to provide, and providing, material support to terrorists.
He was arrested by Canadian authorities in September 2017, following an extradition request from the U.S., and was held in Canadian custody without bail before
being surrendered to the U.S. last month.
The two charges each have a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The two charges each have a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
