DETROIT — A prominent Islamic singer accused of concealing ties to a terrorist group pleaded guilty to making false statements during the US naturalization process on Thursday.
Syrian native Mohamad Masfaka uses the stage name Abu Ratib. He pleaded guilty in federal court in Detroit.
The government said Masfaka was the Holy Land Foundation's Detroit-area representative in 1997 and 1998 but didn't mention it in a 2002 application for naturalization.
The US labeled the foundation a terrorist group in 2001, saying it had provided money and support to Hamas.
The US attorney's office said Masfaka likely faces 10 to 16 months in federal prison before being deported to Syria. He'll be sentenced on Dec. 14.
