A dual Iraqi-Iranian national accused of plotting terrorist attacks in the United States and helping coordinate nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe on behalf of Iranian-backed terrorist organizations was indicted Thursday, according to the Justice Department.Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al Saadi, 32, was taken into custody while traveling abroad on May 1 and was transferred into FBI custody on May 14 before being brought to New York to face prosecution in the Southern District of New York, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. An eight-count indictment unsealed Thursday accuses him of providing material support to terrorist groups, financing terrorism, and attempting acts of terrorism that transcend national boundaries.Prosecutors say Saadi attempted to facilitate attacks in the U.S. during March and April of this year. According to the indictment, Saadi attempted to facilitate an attack against a synagogue in New York City.
In relation to that plan, prosecutors say Saadi contacted an individual in the U.S. on April 30 seeking someone who could carry out an attack involving “burning” or “killing” people. Authorities detained Saadi the following day while he was traveling abroad before any attack was carried out.
