Feds Seize $275,000 From Terrorist’s Life Insurance

LOS ANGELES (CN) - The federal government Tuesday seized $275,000 in life insurance proceeds from two policies that San Bernardino terrorist Syed Rizwan Farook obtained while he worked for the county.

The federal civil asset forfeiture complaint was filed against a $25,000 death benefit from Minnesota Life Insurance, and a supplemental life policy from the same insurer worth $250,000. Farook named his mother Rafia Farook as the primary beneficiary of the policies, which he purchased in 2012 and 2013.

Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik murdered 14 people and wounded 22 during a holiday party at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on Dec. 2. They were killed in a gun battle with police on city streets.

"Terrorists must not be permitted to provide for their designated beneficiaries through their crimes," U.S. Attorney Eileen Decker said in a statement. "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 judge must approve the application.

The government is permitted to seize assets "derived" from terrorist acts against the United States, U.S. attorney's spokesman Thom Mrozek said in a statement.

In "carrying out the San Bernardino attack" Farook intended to "influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, and/or to retaliate against government conduct," the United States says in its complaint.

Enrique Marquez is the only person charged in connection with the terror attacks. He is accused of providing material support to Farook by helping him obtain assault rifles and a bottle of explosive powder.

Federal prosecutors in April brought a marriage fraud case against Farook's brother Syed Raheel Farook and sister-in-law Tatiana Farook, accusing them of conspiring to help Tatiana's sister Mariya Chernykh enter into a sham marriage with Marquez so she could claim benefits.

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