U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10278

October 8, 2003

U.S. INDICTS PAKISTANI MAN ON CHARGES OF PROVIDING SUPPORT TO AL QAEDA

JAMES B. COMEY, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, PASQUALE D'AMURO, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the FBI, and RAYMOND W. KELLY, the New York City Police Commissioner, announced today that UZAIR PARACHA, a Pakistani

national with permanent resident alien status in the United States, was charged in a 5-count Indictment, filed in Manhattan federal court, with providing support to the Al Qaeda terrorist organization by seeking to assist an Al Qaeda associate in entering the United States.

The Indictment charges PARACHA with conspiracy to provide, and providing or attempting to provide, material support or resources to Al Qaeda; conspiracy to violate, and violating or attempting to violate, regulations issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that prohibit making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of Al Qaeda; and identification document fraud committed to facilitate an act of international terrorism.

PARACHA was previously charged in a criminal Complaint filed on August 8, 2003. According to the Complaint and the Indictment, PARACHA is accused of agreeing to help an Al-Qaeda associate obtain documents that would allow him to re-enter the United States and to conduct financial transactions with the associate. To accomplish this, PARACHA also agreed to pose as the associate while in the United States, and to take other actions to assist the Al Qaeda associate.

"Today's indictment makes it clear that the Justice Department will investigate and prosecute with the same energy and determination those who provide material support to terrorists as the terrorist murderers they aid," stated Attorney General John Ashcroft.

PARACHA, 23, will be arraigned before United States District Judge SIDNEY H. STEIN on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at 2 P.M.

If convicted, PARACHA faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail on two of the counts, 15 years on two counts and 25 years on one count. In addition, each count carries maximum fine of $250,000.

Mr. COMEY praised the efforts of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in conducting the investigation, and noted that the investigation is continuing.

Assistant United States Attorney KARL METZNER is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.