MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
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
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
