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Pakistani with suspected ties to hijackers is indicted

From Terry Frieden
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Pakistani man believed to have ties to two of the September 11 hijackers has been indicted in North Carolina on an unrelated charge.

Imtiaz Ahmed Siddiqui of Grand Rapids, who was arrested in Michigan on Thursday, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The one-paragraph indictment made public by the Justice Department on Friday says Siddiqui lied about his citizenship while attempting to obtain a voter registration card.

The indictment says Siddiqui "did falsely and willfully represent that he was a citizen of the United States in an application to the Wake County Board of Elections, when in truth and fact Imtiaz Ahmed Siddiqui, then well knew he was a citizen of Pakistan and not the United States."

Despite the seemingly minor offense, the violation carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Although federal prosecutors refused to comment on the case, the action appears to be in keeping with Attorney General John Ashcroft's vow this week that authorities would find any possible charge to hold suspected terrorists or associates or supporters of terrorists.

At a court appearance in Detroit on Thursday, Siddiqui waived extradition to North Carolina from Michigan. A Justice Department official acknowledged that Siddiqui is believed to have ties to two of the terrorist hijackers, but the official would not say which ones.

Officials told CNN they do not yet know when Siddiqui will be transported to Greensboro to appear in federal court.