Massachusetts: Muslim migrant claims he accidentally bought 800 castor beans, researched poisons

Dr. Ishtiaq Ali Saaem, 37 a Bangla National

Robert Spencer : “Biotechnology Firm Director Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice Relating to Attempts to Acquire Ricin,” Justice Department, March 31, 2022:

BOSTON – The director of advanced research at a Massachusetts biotechnology firm was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for obstructing an investigation into his efforts to acquire the deadly toxin, ricin.

Dr. Ishtiaq Ali Saaem, 37, a Bangladeshi national residing in Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to three years of probation, six months of which will be served on home confinement. Ali Saaem was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,500. The government recommended a sentence of one year in prison. In April 2021, Saaem pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice….

Saaem held a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, resided in Massachusetts and worked as the director of advanced research at a biotechnology firm based in Massachusetts. Saaem became interested in acquiring ricin from castor beans as well as convallatoxin, a poison found in lily of the valley plants, after watching “Breaking Bad,” a popular television show. Saaem ordered 100 packets of castor beans online, each containing eight seeds. Saaem falsely told law enforcement agents that he purchased castor beans for planting at his apartment for decoration and that he had accidentally purchased 100 packets instead of one. After he spoke to agents, Saaem researched tasteless poisons that could be made at home.

During subsequent meetings with law enforcement, Saeem stated that his interest in buying castor beans related to an interest in gardening. He also made misleading statements about his knowledge of ricin….

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