By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey man is facing federal charges after allegedly making false statements during the U.S. naturalization process, specifically denying any affiliation with terrorist organizations despite reported connections to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned a two-count indictment against 44-year-old Gafur Abdudzhamilovich Aliev of Edison. 
Aliev is charged with one count of making a false statement on a naturalization application and one count of perjury.
Aliev was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor via videoconference on the day of the announcement, according to prosecutors.
The indictment outlines that between January 2018 and January 2020, Aliev reportedly acted as a moderator or participant in several encrypted social media channels that catered to members, supporters, and potential recruits of ISIS.
These platforms, according to the information sent by federal officials, were used to spread extremist content and promote support for the organization.
In August 2020, Aliev allegedly admitted to an individual—referred to as “Individual-1” in court documents—that he had previously sent money to ISIS for purchasing weapons.
He also allegedly stated that contributing between $100 and $400 was acceptable and discussed the importance of financial support in sustaining jihad, referencing the need for funds to buy equipment.
Despite these alleged actions, on December 26, 2020, Aliev reportedly submitted a naturalization application in which he falsely claimed—under penalty of perjury—that he had never been affiliated with a terrorist group.
The charge of providing false information on a naturalization application carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Aliev’s case is now being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
If convicted, his false statements could have serious implications for his immigration status, in addition to criminal penalties.
The Department of Justice emphasized that the charges are part of ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the naturalization process and ensure national security through careful vetting of applicants.