A Las Vegas man has admitted to multiple charges, including extortion and money laundering, in a case involving threats against individuals in California. Idriss Qibaa, 28, entered a guilty plea on February 21 to several charges: one count of extortion, two counts of money laundering, one count of stalking, and two counts of interstate communications containing threats to injure.
The proceedings took place before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II, who has set the sentencing date for May 22, 2025.
Court documents reveal that on April 29, 2024, Qibaa threatened force to extort $200,000 from a victim. As part of this scheme, he acquired $63,500 worth of cryptocurrency on March 7 and 8, 2024. In June and July of the same year, Qibaa used online direct messages and texts to cause significant emotional distress to his victims. On July 19 and again on July 24, he sent text messages threatening harm to a victim and their family members.
Qibaa faces severe penalties at sentencing: up to 20 years in prison for extortion; up to 10 years for each money laundering charge; five years for stalking; and five years for each charge related to interstate communications with threats.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department.