DoJ seeks extradition of alleged al Qaeda associate accused of conspiring to kill US nationals

A 51-year-old Polish national, who has been imprisoned on terrorism charges in France since 2003, faces four counts in U.S. federal courts, including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, under a superseding indictment that was unsealed on Wednesday.

Christian Ganczarski is also charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists and al Qaeda from 1999 to 2001. The Department of Justice (DoJ) has requested Ganczarski’s extradition from France.

“According to the superseding indictment, between 1999 and 2001, Ganczarski regularly interacted with members of al Qaeda leadership who were responsible for terrorist operations, and provided them with the knowledge and technology to carry out attacks against the U.S. military and its allies,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Dana Boente said. “This case demonstrates the National Security Division’s resolve to find and bring to justice, terrorists who target U.S. interests in any part of the world. I want to thank all of the prosecutors, agents and analysts who made this result possible.”

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said Ganczarski provided “critical support” to the world’s most prolific terrorists, including Osama bin Laden. Ganczarski allegedly traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan on five occasions from 1999 to 2001 to provide technical support and assistance to known terrorists.

“As alleged, Ganczarski willingly supported the goals of al Qaeda, immersing himself in social circles that included the likes of Osama bin Laden and one of the future hijackers in the September 11 attacks, among others,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge William Sweeney said.  “…While he’s spent the past fifteen years behind bars in France, we haven’t forgotten his allegiance to those who have threatened our interests both at home and abroad. We will continue to work with our international partners to mitigate the threat of global terrorism, bringing to justice everyone who participates in or materially supports this crime.”

Ganczarski was reportedly in Germany at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and said that he knew a “significant event” was about to occur. In November 2001, he allegedly helped al Qaeda operatives repair anti-aircraft missiles for use against the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

Ganczarski could face life in prison in the United States if convicted of the conspiracy charges.