Mohammed Jamal Khalifa, Saudi Arabian businessman (d. 2007)

Mohammed Jamal Khalifa (Arabic: محمد جمال خليفه), born on February 1, 1957, and deceased on January 31, 2007, was a prominent Saudi businessman originating from Jeddah. Khalifa garnered significant international attention primarily due to his marital connection to Osama bin Laden, the founder of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, whose sister he married. His life and activities, particularly in the 1990s, became subjects of intense scrutiny, especially concerning allegations of involvement in funding terrorist plots and groups.

Early Life and Business Ventures

Mohammed Jamal Khalifa established himself as a businessman in Saudi Arabia. While details of his early career remain less publicized than his later controversial associations, he was known to have diverse business interests. However, his familial tie to Osama bin Laden, specifically marrying one of bin Laden's sisters, brought his activities under a much brighter and more critical spotlight, leading to extensive investigations by intelligence agencies worldwide.

Allegations of Terror Funding and the IIRO

During the 1990s, Mohammed Jamal Khalifa faced accusations of materially supporting and financing various terror plots and extremist groups, particularly in the Philippines. These allegations centered around his leadership role as the head of the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) branch in the country. The IIRO, a Saudi-based international charity, was designed to provide humanitarian aid globally. However, certain branches, including the one Khalifa led, were subsequently investigated by various governments, including the United States Treasury, for allegedly being exploited or deliberately used as conduits for funneling funds to militant organizations.

Specific allegations against Khalifa during his time in the Philippines included:

• Funding the Bojinka Plot: Khalifa was accused of providing financial assistance to Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind behind the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, for the elaborate "Bojinka Plot." This ambitious terrorist conspiracy, uncovered in 1995, aimed to assassinate Pope John Paul II, bomb multiple commercial airliners over the Pacific Ocean, and potentially crash a plane into the CIA headquarters.
• Support for Abu Sayyaf Group: He was also suspected of supporting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a radical Islamist terrorist organization operating in the southern Philippines. The ASG is known for kidnappings, bombings, and extortions, and it has pledged allegiance to ISIS in recent years. Allegations suggested Khalifa's financial contributions helped sustain the group's operations and activities during that period.

Despite these serious accusations, Khalifa consistently denied involvement in terrorist financing. He was acquitted of some charges in Philippine courts, though he remained a person of interest to international counter-terrorism agencies for many years.

Mysterious Death in Madagascar

Mohammed Jamal Khalifa's life came to an abrupt and violent end on January 31, 2007, in Madagascar. He was reportedly murdered during a dispute at a gem mine, where he was exploring business interests. The exact circumstances surrounding his death have led to various speculations, given his high-profile connections and the lingering allegations against him. His demise marked the close of a controversial chapter in international counter-terrorism efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohammed Jamal Khalifa

Who was Mohammed Jamal Khalifa?

Mohammed Jamal Khalifa was a Saudi businessman born in Jeddah, widely known for his marriage to one of Osama bin Laden's sisters and for facing allegations of funding terrorist activities in the Philippines during the 1990s.

What was his connection to Osama bin Laden?

Mohammed Jamal Khalifa was Osama bin Laden's brother-in-law, having married one of bin Laden's sisters. This family connection brought him under significant scrutiny from international intelligence agencies.

What were the allegations against him regarding terror funding?

He was accused of funding terrorist plots, most notably providing financial support for the "Bojinka Plot" orchestrated by Ramzi Yousef, and allegedly supporting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Philippines. These activities were purportedly conducted while he was leading the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) branch in the Philippines.

What was the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO)?

The International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) is a Saudi-based humanitarian charity. However, certain branches, including the one headed by Khalifa in the Philippines, were investigated for allegedly being used to channel funds to extremist organizations.

How and when did Mohammed Jamal Khalifa die?

Mohammed Jamal Khalifa was murdered on January 31, 2007, in Madagascar. Reports indicate he was killed during a dispute at a gem mine, though the precise motives and full circumstances of his death remain subject to various interpretations due to his controversial past.