LOS ANGELES
Federal prosecutors today moved to seize two life insurance policies worth $275,000 that were held by San Bernardino terrorist and shooter Syed Rizwan Farook, federal officials said.
Before the December 2, 2015, terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center, Farook obtained two insurance policies through his employment with San Bernardino County – one for $25,000 in 2012, and another for $250,000 in 2013.
Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, opened fire on San Bernardino County workers at a holiday party Dec. 2, killing 14 and injuring 22 others.
This afternoon, the United States Attorney’s Office filed the asset forfeiture lawsuit against the proceeds of the life insurance policies, as well as a request to seize the policies. The “application for arrest in rem” must be approved by a federal judge before the money can be seized by the government.
Under federal law, any assets derived from a crime of terrorism against the United States, its citizens or residents, or their property, are subject to forfeiture by the government.
“Terrorists must not be permitted to provide for their designated beneficiaries through their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “My office intends to explore every legal option available to us to ensure these funds are made available to the victims of this horrific crime. We will continue to use every tool available to seek justice on behalf of the victims of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks.”
A federal grand jury in December indicted Enrique Marquez Jr., a longtime friend of Syed Rizwan Farook.
Marquez was charged with conspiring with Farook in 2011 and 2012 to commit crimes of terrorism, officials announced today.
The FBI is continuing investigation into the San Bernardino terrorist attacks.