NEW YORK — A dual citizen of the United States and Albania was arrested in New York on Thursday, facing charges related to his alleged attempts to support the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and sharing information on homemade explosives.
Erald Alimehmeti, 33, originally from the Bronx and now living in Tirana, Albania, is accused of providing material support to ISIS and distributing detailed instructions for making explosive devices. According to court documents, Alimehmeti moved to Albania in 2014 after residing in New York. He was previously imprisoned in Albania from 2015 to 2019 and again between 2020 and 2022 for weapons-related offenses.
During periods between incarceration, Alimehmeti allegedly created multiple online accounts using encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms to communicate about potential attacks in support of ISIS. In one instance from 2019, he discussed “DC sniper” style operations with confidential sources, asking, “Do you know sniping akhi? The formulas and ballistics?” He also inquired if his contacts could handle red dot optics on firearms.
Prosecutors said Alimehmeti sought specific gear for his plans, including vests for “ballistic plates,” magazine pouches, and tactical knives. He shared extensive ISIS propaganda online, praising known leaders and circulating instructional material from jihadist sources. His social media content reportedly included praise for Shaykh ul-Haqq Musa Cerantonio, an ISIS propagandist, and Abu Yahya al-Libi, a prominent figure in al Qaeda.
In 2019 and 2020, Alimehmeti allegedly shared guides on explosives, including a video on constructing TATP explosives, a chemical used in several attacks. “So fight them o Muwahid,” he wrote, encouraging followers to use the information.
Alimehmeti faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the two charges: attempting to provide material support to ISIS and distributing information related to explosives and weapons of mass destruction.
The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes agents from the FBI and the New York City Police Department, led the investigation. Support also came from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, and law enforcement partners in Albania and Australia.
“This case highlights the persistent threat of terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in addressing it,” said a spokesperson from the Justice Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley and Jane Y. Chong are handling the prosecution, with Trial Attorney Jessica K. Fender from the Counterterrorism Section also involved.
