Islamic Center of Springfield
Springfield, MO
Al-Haramain
The Saudi-based Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation stated in its 2000 Form 990 that its "prayer houses are located in Ashland, Oregon and Springfield, Mo. This is similar to a church and attendance is open to the public."[1] Property records show the Islamic Center of Springfield is owned by Al-Haramain.[2] Al-Haramain in the U.S. is based out of Oregon.[3]
Al-Haramain was jointly designated by the U.S. Treasury and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a terrorism supporting organization, for its support of al-Qaida, in March 2002,[4] and its U.S.-based offices subsequently were searched.[5] The 2004 designation of additional Al-Haramain branches obliged UN member states to "freeze [Al Haramain's] assets and implement other sanctions." [6] In November 2008, an Oregon district court denied Al-Haramain Oregon's chapter's challenge of its designation as a terrorist organization.[7]
In September 2010, Pirouz Sedaghaty, a former leader of the U.S. Chapter of Al-Haramain, was convicted on charges related to the group's attempt to send money to militants in Chechnya. Sedaghaty was convicted of filing a false tax return and conspiring to file a false tax return in order to hide Al-Haramain's money trial.[8]
See: US v. Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, et al.
[1] Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, Inc, 2000 Form 990 .
[2] Property Records for 2151 E Division St. Springfield, Missouri, Owner: Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, http://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=328&LayerID=3509&PageTypeID=4&PageID=2306&Q=2139637316&KeyValue=881208307038 (accessed June 8, 2010).; See also: Islamic Finder, Islamic Center of Springfield, Missouri, 2151 E Division, Springfield, Missouri, http://www.islamicfinder.org/getitWorld.php?id=225 (accessed June 8, 2010).
[3] U.S. Department of the Treasury Release, JS-1895, "U.S.-Based Branch of Al Haramain Foundation Linked to Terror Treasury Designates U.S. Branch, Director," September 9, 2004, http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/js1895.htm (accessed June 8, 2010).
[4] Richard Boucher, "U.S. Designation of Additional Al-Haramain Branches and Former Leader," U.S. Department of State, June 2, 2004.
[5] U.S. Department of Treasury Release JS-1183, "Treasury Announces Actions Against Al-Haramain," February 19, 2004.
[6] Richard Boucher, "U.S. Designation of Additional Al-Haramain Branches and Former Leader," U.S. Department of State, June 2, 2004.
[7] Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, Inc. et al., 07-1155-KI, "Opinion and Order," (D. Or. November 6, 2008).
[8] U.S. v. Pirouz Sedaghaty, 05-CR-60008-HO, "Verdict," (D.C. Or. September 9, 2010).
