He was paid $177,000 to infiltrate a mosque for the FBI. Then the mosque reported him to the #FBI as the threat.
In 2006, the FBI recruited Craig Monteilh, a convicted forger, to pose as a devout #Muslim convert in Southern California.
For about 15 months, he attended prayers, secretly recorded conversations, and collected names, phone numbers, and emails from worshippers. He even used hidden recording devices while trying to draw people into conversations about extremism.
But his behavior became so alarming that members of the Islamic Center of Irvine grew suspicious. They eventually obtained a restraining order against him and reported him to the FBI, believing he could be dangerous.
15 months undercover. About $177,000 in payments. One #mosque under surveillance. And one incredible twist: the people being watched were the ones who reported the informant.
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In 2006, the FBI recruited Craig Monteilh, a convicted forger, to pose as a devout #Muslim convert in Southern California.
For about 15 months, he attended prayers, secretly recorded conversations, and collected names, phone numbers, and emails from worshippers. He even used hidden recording devices while trying to draw people into conversations about extremism.
But his behavior became so alarming that members of the Islamic Center of Irvine grew suspicious. They eventually obtained a restraining order against him and reported him to the FBI, believing he could be dangerous.
15 months undercover. About $177,000 in payments. One #mosque under surveillance. And one incredible twist: the people being watched were the ones who reported the informant.
