MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
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
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
