18 U.S.C. § 2339C – Prohibitions Against the Financing of Terrorism
Section 2339C criminalizes the financing of terrorism. It targets anyone who unlawfully and willfully provides or collects funds knowing or intending that the money will be used to carry out terrorist violence or treaty-defined terrorist offenses.
This statute focuses on money flow and intent, not whether the terrorist act actually occurs.
Core prohibited conduct.
A person violates this statute if they:
- Provide funds, or
- Collect funds
With either:
- The intent that the funds be used to carry out terrorism, or
- Knowledge that the funds will be used for that purpose
The funds do not need to be successfully used. The crime is complete once the money is provided or collected with the required mental state.
What counts as terrorism here.
Covered conduct includes:
- Treaty-based terrorism offenses (such as bombings, hostage-taking, aircraft hijacking, maritime attacks, and nuclear-related crimes)
- Any act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to civilians
- Acts meant to intimidate a population or coerce a government or international organization
Concealment is separately criminalized.
Section 2339C also punishes knowingly concealing or disguising:
- The source, location, ownership, or control of terrorist funds
- Material support connected to § 2339B or § 2339C violations
This provision frequently overlaps with money laundering and material support charges.
Jurisdiction is expansive.
Federal jurisdiction exists even when conduct occurs outside the United States, based on:
- Nationality of the defendant or victim
- Location of the funds, offender, or predicate act
- Use of U.S.-flag vessels or aircraft
- Acts directed at U.S. persons, property, or government interests
This makes § 2339C a primary tool in international terrorism financing cases.
Penalties.
- Up to 20 years in prison for financing terrorism
- Up to 10 years for concealment offenses
- Fines under Title 18
Attempts and conspiracies carry the same exposure.
Organizational liability.
Legal entities based in or organized under U.S. law may face civil penalties of at least $10,000 if a person in a management or control role commits a financing offense.
If you’re under investigation for terrorism financing, money transfers, or related federal offenses, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys immediately.
