With four men now facing criminal charges related to the terror plot to blow up JFKInternationalAirport and its expansive network of fuel lines, it has emerged that a drug dealer and racketeer worked with New York police and the FBI to help foil the plot.
The four suspects include 63 year-old Russell Defreitas, a native of Guyana and naturalized American who worked as an airport cargo handler during the early 1990’s, and 55 year-old Abdul Kadir who previously served as a mayor of a town in Guyana and as a Member of Parliament until two years ago.
On Friday, Mr Defreitas was arrested in Brooklyn, while Mr Kadir was taken into custody in Trinidad after his flight to Caracas was ordered to return to the airport.
Kareem Ibrahim, 61, was also arrested in Trinidad, where police are still hunting the fourth suspect, Abdul Nur, 57.
The US is seeking the extradition of Mr Kadir and Mr Ibrahim, and will probably also seek the same for Mr Nur when he is found. If convicted, the men could be jailed for life in the US.
A police informant with a criminal record that includes drug dealing and racketeering agreed to assist the investigation in exchange for payments and a reduced sentence.
The informant, who has not been identified, attended the same Brooklyn mosque as Mr Defreitas and befriended him last July. According to a complaint read out in the Brooklyn federal court where Mr Defreitas was arraigned, Mr Defreitas had confided to the informant his deep-seated hatred for the US because of what he saw as the US government’s pro-Israel, anti-Muslim bias.
“He saw military parts being shipped to Israel, including missiles, that would be used to kill Muslims,” stated the complaint, which also quoted Mr Defreitas as saying, “Muslims always incur the wrath of the world while Jews get a pass.”
Mr. Defreitas boasted that the carnage from his attack on JFK airport – which hosts 1,000 flights per day – would dwarf the death toll from 9/11 because he believed that the entire fuel network would also explode. This network includes a system of feeder pipes that carry jet fuel, heating oil and gasoline from New Jersey through Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.
Yet oil industry experts have said that safety valves would almost certainly have prevented such a catastrophic explosion. Meanwhile, law enforcement investigators were quick to point out that no financing or explosives had yet been obtained to carry out the attack, and so passengers and residents had never been in any immediate danger.
Mr Defreitas was also reportedly fixated on the idea of blowing up a high-profile target named after President John F Kennedy, whose assassination traumatized a generation of Americans. “Any time you hit Kennedy, it is the most hurtful thing to the United States,” he allegedly told the informant. “They love John F Kennedy. If you hit that, this whole country will be in mourning. It’s like you kill the man twice.”
The four alleged plotters are all said to espouse “fundamentalist Islamic beliefs of a violent nature”, according to Mark Mershon, the assistant director of the FBI field office in New York. However, they appear to have been operating independently and had no known connection to al Qaeda.
The men had sought support and financing from a radical Muslim organization in the Caribbean known as Jamaat al Muslmeen, which operates in Trinidad and Tobago. It once staged a bloody but unsuccessful coup in Trinidad, and is now locally known as a street gang involved in the drug trade.
Although Mr Defreitas had travelled several times with his alleged accomplices to Guyana and Trinidad, and had recently begun wearing traditional Muslim dress and calling himself Mohammed, his arrest on terrorism charges surprised a number of people he has known over the years.
According to the New York Times, Mr Defreitas had been known by various people as a polite tenant who always paid his rent on time, a hard-working but semi-literate man whose brother had to fill out job applications for him, and a migrant who had initially enthusiastically embraced American culture, especially jazz music.
I think that way too much slack has be cut for ghetto denizens for their goofy plots for too much time. Knowing that they are in prison would be comforting.
Written by Ben R. Brown
on 6/4/2007
As much as all cautionary measures have to be taken, I think this big plot is an overstretch of the FBI imagination. A drug dealer bargaining for a reduced sentance would say anything. Many people have strong views against the US.
I think what has happened here is that a criminal has given the FBI some smoke to have his sentance reduced, the FBI has to take any info like this seriously, looked into it, read more into things, exaggerated the situation, got hold four guys with strong views against the US and acted, knowing that it will be big news and make them look good. With anti-terrorsim laws and powers they know they are untouchable and don't need to justify any thing.
Similar to what UK does, every 6-9 months they raid, take in about 10 people for plotting and then can't prove anything and release them, except I can't see the US releasing them.
As for comments of viveanne, completely narrowminded and uneducated, doesn't have a clue and doesn't really deserve my time for comment.
Written by Ash
on 6/3/2007
So far all of the "plots" that have been uncovered seem to have involved people who were below average in intelligence.
Written by John Ryan
on 6/3/2007
uh...no financing, no explosives, but a drug dealer and *racketeer* who "turned these guys in" for money and reduced sentencing. They better have more than that or this country really has gone to the dogs.
Written by Joe
on 6/3/2007
I agree with Sharron. A job well done by the FBI in coordination from all sources. However, there is another issue that needs to be addressed from this story and others about many of the terrorists that cropped up. Yes, I know the Oklahoma bombers were native born. However, Immigration and Open borders will be our "Trojan Horse". The Republicans want cheap labor and the Democrats want future voters. Both parties are selling this country for these 2 things without thinking about the future of our country. Many people come to the U.S. for monetary gain or survival but do not like or respect democracy or the American culture. We have a strong multicultural society now. Let's create a true "guest worker" program and create a constitutional amendment that does not allow guest workers, or others who come here illegally and have kids, to automatically be citizens. Lets get smart and use our resources for our citizenry and our future generations. Why is a little country like Switzerland so economically vibrant despite its small size: strong immigration policies & a strong educational system (it can afford better benefits for its citizens because it doesn't dole out so much $ for people entering the country illegally as we do). We could use $ to help improve the kids in school now and for future generations. This is not a popular suggestion and I am sure I will get many people that refer to me as a xenophobe, a racist,etc. I am not. My wife and I are racially mixed. I speak 2 languages. I am just thinking about HELPING THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LEGAL CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS IN OUR COUNTRY NOW AND OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Written by L.A. Larry
on 6/3/2007
Sharon:
I do respect your opinion, but I have to disagree with you. If we are going to play by the rules of engagement with an enemy, even those muslim fanatics, then they will have thew upper hand at all times. It's a small price to pay; using a criminal in a covert operation. Remember President Jackson; he got the cooperation of a pirate: Jean Laffitte. Thank God they defeated our enemis of all times: the British military!
Written by Angel
on 6/3/2007
Good work to all involved in catching these thugs!! Now, instead of keeping them for the rest of their lives, and us paying the bill for it, execute them quickly! These animals have got to learn that going against the U.S. means they wiil die, and good riddance............
Written by bsnicely
on 6/3/2007
Fundamentalists are global terrorisrs whose fundamental motive to kill is dictated by the Jihad which is a tenet of thei Koran.
The Qur'an was written by Muhammad in the 7th Century and it has been going on since then.
Muhammad founded the Araba Emipire in the 7the Century and Islam.
Islam since then has wiped out many cultures and Civilizations.
Islamists will not stop until they have wiped out the Westen Civilization as well.
We do need to do more to protect ourselves from such evel forces that have existed for so long and are motivated by people who are very ancient and possess a cunny which we do underestimate.
We are far too tolerant towards Islam and like in the case of Iran we use only words to stop such Evil Country from pursuing its nuclear expansion.
Once Iran has nuclear weapons at its disposal nothing will stop it from destroying us altogether.
Yet we are so naive that we still believe that sanctions will deter them.
They despise us and our inaction. Iran and the members of its Intelligentia will only take us seriously whem we will have taken drastic actions which must be more than just sanctions.
A frightened citizen of our WONDERFUL WESTERN CIVILIZATION whose grandparents had to migrate from Egypt where they had a sumptuous life, because of Muslim insurgents. In the second decade of the 19th Century a family friends of theirs had been found dead in their beds with their throats slit open by a razor blade and the brother of a servant girl was boasting all over Alexandria, Egypt, that he would go to heaven because he had killed seven Infidels. The police which was largely manned by Muslims did nothing to stop such horrendous crimes.
My fear of Islam is deep seated and my grandfather traslated the entire Koran or Qur'an from Literary Arabic into French and Italian. Therefore we know in depth what the beautifully written verses of the Qur'an contain.
The majority of the Westerners are far too ignorant about Islam and that is why we are most vulnerabel against a Religion that commands to kill us. Because we are Infidels.
I could explain more but the space here is limited.
Vivienne Croccolo
vivicroccolo@bigpond.com
Written by Vivienne Croccolo
on 6/3/2007
I don't care who helped foil this plot. Does anyone think that we should only be dealing with "suits and ties" when it comes to getting these criminals. That was the 90's when the FBI was forbidden to work with informants with criminal histories. They were not allowed to talk to the CIA or other law enforcement. The Gorelick wall caused a lot of intelligence loss whether you want to believe it or not. If we want to stay safe, it is going to take a little "dirty work". Deals are made all the time. This one seems to have paid off. Good work.
Written by Sharon
on 6/3/2007
A couple of bad apples dont spoil the bunch. Islam is basically surrendering to god. It also has a core of peace. the quran teaches nothing of hate or killing infiedels.... anyone who disagrees is basing judgement on exaggerated information that is unrealiable
Written by ----
on 6/3/2007
It is a shame that it had to be a drug dealer who assisted with the bust. It makes it look as if drug dealers, after all, are good. They are not. They are drug dealers. Is the devil playing tricks with America? Take a wild guess! Why does God permit all this? Take another wild guess!
Written by The Purple Phantom
on 6/3/2007
Please read the entire thing.
Hello
I'm 15 years old. You might think that makes me immature or that I don't understand what I say. I go to a Magnet or extremely gifted school and I know what I'm talking about.
What you said strongly affected my feelings. I happen to be Muslim and my mom is pretty religious and I have read the Quran and know that it says nothing of killing "infediels" as you said. It talks about many things. For example did you know that Islam was the first religion to give women any rights? Radicals are in every religion. Saying that all Muslims are bad because of a couple of groups is like saying that Christians are to blame for Hitler and that all criminals are the fault of their religions. And thats not true. Islam may seem "traditional" and anti modern but it is a peaceful religion
You yourself are commiting a crime. Lieing to people saying you read the Quran. Otherwise you lied about what it said or picked up the wrong book. Did you know how much people have to suffer because people dont understand their religons or cultures. The Al queda and other terrorists are like this but their are other groups like this with other religions. I cant believe an adult like you could let youself be influenced this way. My dad always says to take things with a grain of sense. My mom is very open too saying that if it makes me feel comfertable to look up other religions and see what you think is right. We learn that JEwish and Christians are vey similar to us. We believe in prophets before such as Jeuses and Moses. We just believe that there is more to what others believe. You dont know what you are talking about. How could you think what ur doing is right? Trying to get people to hate muslims? ITs like the KKK of religions. Is that what you want to be? It hurts me too see people who talk about how much they hate things they know nothing about. Think about how you would feel if people twisted everything about your religons and highlighted the slums of it. You should be ashamed.
-I feel sorry for the people who have to deal with you
Written by To vivicroccolo@bigpond.com
on 6/3/2007
Seems like they arrested a couple of loud mouthed old guys that dislike the US.
The problem is that it seems to be exposing/encouraging large numbers of bigots in our society (interesting how a lot of them appear to be christians from prodominantly moslem countries-who have NO idea what being American means).
The real threat to the US is the non-loud mouthed terrorists, and the survivors of the killed innocents.
Frankly I think we are attempting a law-enforcement solution for a very political problem. I think we are GOING to have to talk to all the people we dont like- the 'Islamic radicals' and 'Insurgents'. (This might not be in the interest of people whose parents taught them to hate Islam/Judaism etc-but it sure is in the interest of the USA). We can either initiate the talk with the enemy now or we can do it later after we have fought each other to a stalemate. (btw we happen to be talking to Iran, I noticed).
Like it or not, there are specific limits to our own economic, military and ideological supremacy.(dah!)
Written by ron
on 6/3/2007
Is it now a crime to talk about committing a crime?
I don't believe there is a precedent for this.
These guys didn't even shout fire in a theater.
So, if you hear someone discussing a violent movie in Starbucks, and you mistake the conversation as what they intend to do, does that give the US government the right to arrest these folks or "disappear" them?
Even putting them on a watch list (which is probably also a no-fly list) is stretching the Constitution, which believe it or not, still has some teeth. After all, Alberto Gonzales is going down.
Scary stuff.
Written by terris
on 6/3/2007
Thank God, the these muslims were dumb. Maybe a smart or lucky one will get us
Written by Austin, Tx
on 6/3/2007
Great to see so many new people here sharing their opinions. Sounds like for the most part people do "get it". Angel, you must have misunderstood my post. I am a "whatever it takes" girl. I believe that our enemies need to fear us. Our ROE in Iraq is costing lives. A soldier does not have time to check with the military lawyers. Larry, I agree. A true guest worker program that allows people to come forward and register but keep their jobs is a good thing. It must not though, as you say, ever give citizenship to those who came illegally. I agree also that children of illegals should be illegal also and must go back to the home country of their parents. All those who refuse to register should be deported. Once we get our borders under control, perhaps we can raise the number allowed as guest workers if needed. BSNICELY. My sentiments exactly. To the young person who is saddened by some of our comments about Islam. I lived in a Muslim country for 22 years. If you and those who think like you say you do want to do something to change people's minds about the general impressions. Please speak out loudly and often.
Written by Sharon
on 6/3/2007
Only if one could read between the lines, s/he could that there are "losers" and "winners" in this news report. And the "winners" stand to gain so much more - financially and politically.
T H I N K F O R Y O U R S E L F.
Written by Julia Morbit
on 6/3/2007
Man, all these guys are older than me! Are we sure they're not just a bunch of dumb, old farts sitting around bragging about plans they'd never go through with?
To
Buzz Right Back on this article