US officials believe Shahzad used “Hawala” system to finance Times Square plot

New York, May 14 (ANI): US officials probing the bungled Times Square bombing plot, have established that Faisal Shahzad, the American civilian of Pakistan origin accused of masterminding the terror plot, had used the “Hawala” system to get money for his nefarious plans.

The Hawala system, which is famous in South Asia, is a courier system used by terrorists and criminals to conceal the flow of money without raising alarms among the law enforcement agencies.

CBS News quoted officials involved in the probe as saying that it was unclear whether Shahzad used the Hawala system in part or totally in obtaining financing for the botched attack, including the purchase of the SUV, and his ticket to Dubai from Kennedy Airport to escape the US agencies.

Meanwhile, in another major development in the case, US security agencies detained three suspicious men, all from Pakistan, in connection with Times Square bombing plot in raids conducted across several locations in Boston suburbs.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Customs Enforcement agents executed search warrants in various locations in the Northeast.

Raids were conducted in Boston suburbs, where two suspects were apprehended while the third arrest was made from Maine.

Another man having links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who claims that he assisted Shahzad, was nabbed by Pakistani security agencies earlier. (ANI)

US officials believe Shahzad used “Hawala” system to finance Times Square plot

New York, May 14 (ANI): US officials probing the bungled Times Square bombing plot, have established that Faisal Shahzad, the American civilian of Pakistan origin accused of masterminding the terror plot, had used the “Hawala” system to get money for his nefarious plans.

The Hawala system, which is famous in South Asia, is a courier system used by terrorists and criminals to conceal the flow of money without raising alarms among the law enforcement agencies.

CBS News quoted officials involved in the probe as saying that it was unclear whether Shahzad used the Hawala system in part or totally in obtaining financing for the botched attack, including the purchase of the SUV, and his ticket to Dubai from Kennedy Airport to escape the US agencies.

Meanwhile, in another major development in the case, US security agencies detained three suspicious men, all from Pakistan, in connection with Times Square bombing plot in raids conducted across several locations in Boston suburbs.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Customs Enforcement agents executed search warrants in various locations in the Northeast.

Raids were conducted in Boston suburbs, where two suspects were apprehended while the third arrest was made from Maine.

Another man having links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who claims that he assisted Shahzad, was nabbed by Pakistani security agencies earlier. (ANI)

Pakistani American arrested in connection with failed Times Square bombing plot

New York, May 4 (ANI): US investigators have arrested a Connecticut man, a naturalized Pakistani American, in connection with Saturday night’s failed Times Square bombing plot.

According to sources, the man, identified as Faisal Shahzad, was believed to have bought the Nissan Pathfinder, the SUV which was found abandoned loaded with crude explosives at the busy Times Square.

Shahzad was apprehended at the Kennedy Airport, when he was apparently trying to flee, The New York Times reports.

Earlier, federal authorities confirmed ‘foreign links’ in the failed bombing plot, and said
they were probing the possibility of a ‘naturalized American citizen’ being involved in the incident.

Senior Obama administration officials said the latest investigations support the suspicion that there was a foreign connection behind the terror plot.

Sources said evidence includes international phone calls made by the person, who has not been identified publicly.

“Don”t be surprised if you find a foreign nexus. They”re looking at some tell-tale signs and they”re saying it”s pointing in that direction,” said a senior White House official.

It may be noted that the Pakistan Taliban has already claimed the responsibility for the bombing plot.

The last owner of the Nissan Pathfinder, had told the investigators that he had recently sold the SUV to a “Middle Eastern” or “Hispanic” looking man for 1,300 dollars.

Earlier, for the first time the White House confirmed that the plot was a ‘terrorist act’.

“I think that we have made really substantial progress. Ultimately this investigation will be successful and the people responsible for that attempt will be found and brought to justice,” Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters. (ANI)

Kids allowed to direct traffic at JFK airport

NEW YORK: Two young children were allowed to direct air traffic, apparently under adult supervision, at John F. Kennedy International Airport last month, the Federal Aviation Authority said on Wednesday.

An airport supervisor and an air traffic controller have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the incidents, the FAA said.

In an incident on Feb. 16, revealed in transmissions broadcast by local media, a boy believed to be 7 years old can be heard directing pilots for departure. “JetBlue 171 contact departure,” he can be heard saying. The pilot replied: “Over to departure JetBlue 171, awesome job.” An adult can be heard telling a pilot: “This is what you guys get when the kids are out of school.”

The FAA investigation turned up a second incident on Feb. 17, involving a younger girl. Both were believed to be the children of the tower controller. The girl spoke to pilots of a JetBlue flight and an American Airlines flight.

“This lapse in judgment not only violated FAA’s own policies, but common sense standards for professional conduct. These kinds of distractions are totally unacceptable,” FAA administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement.

All unofficial visits to FAA air traffic control areas including towers and radar rooms will be suspended during the investigation, and a full review of policies and procedures regarding visitors will be made, the FAA said.

Nearly 48 million passengers pass through Kennedy airport annually.