Chicago
The leader of a Muslim charity group accused of financing al Qaida struck a plea deal this week, without admitting any link to the terrorist network. Enaam Arnaout of the Chicago-based Benevolence International Foundation pleaded guilty to defrauding donors by using their money to buy boots and uniforms for rebel fighters in Chechnya and Bosnia. He could get 20 years in prison, but will likely receive a shorter sentence if he cooperates with prosecutors. Defense lawyers maintain that Arnaout has no ties to terrorists, but prosecutors expect his insights to help them stem the flow of money to terror groups.
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