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Feds Move to Seize Mosque in Maryland

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By Patrick Madden

The federal government is taking steps to seize a mosque in Potomac, Maryland. Prosecutors say a Muslim non-profit organization used the Islamic center and three others around the country to secretly funnel money to Iran.

Prosecutors say the owner of the mosque, the Alavi Foundation, is secretly controlled by the Iranian government. They filed a civil complaint filed against the group, seeking the forfeiture of more than half a billion dollars in assets, including 4 mosques and a Manhattan skyscraper.

At the Islamic Education Center on Montrose Road in Potomac there were no signs of forfeiture posted and last night's prayers services were held as scheduled. One worshipper there, who would not give his name, said he was upset by the news and fearful of a backlash against Muslims. The Islamic Education Center rents the property from the Alavi Foundation and is not named in the complaint.

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