San Diego A San Diego resident suspected of terrorist connections during his time in Syria was arrested in Rancho Bernardo Wednesday, accused of lying about his role as a Sharia law judge and acting as a mediator between the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front, according to a complaint filed Thursday.
Mohamad Saeed Kodaimati, 24, was arrested by the FBI at his home and booked into custody on charges of making false statements involving international terrorism.
Saeed left San Diego in 2012 for Istanbul, Turkey, and was later deported to Syria, his place of birth, according to court records.
Saeed tried to fly back to San Diego on March 10 but was turned away and told to visit the U.S. Embassy in Turkey to be interviewed further, the complaint states.
Authorities allege Saeed lied when he was asked several questions about his activities in Syria, including whether he was a member of the Sharia court or had affiliation with the Islamic State or al-Nusra, al-Qaeda’s official arm in Syria — both terrorist organizations fighting the Syrian regime.
Saeed was eventually allowed to travel to the U.S., via Charlotte, N.C., and was questioned further by the FBI there and in San Diego.
FBI agents discovered several Facebook messages that indicate Saeed was working for the Sharia Authority to set up a government based on Islam. Messages also show Saeed acknowledging he plays a reconciliatory role between the Islamic State and al-Nusra when disputes arise, the complaint says.
He also admitted in messages to sometimes fighting for al-Nusra, taking up weapons when backup is needed, the record states. In an interview with the FBI in Charlotte, Saeed later admitted to taking part in a raid on a Syrian political prison.
Saeed is expected to make his first court appearance today in San Diego federal court.
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