Uncle Caught Funding Nephew’s Terror Fight in Syria
Farhad Mohammad, 45, has been found guilty of sending cash to his nephew Idris Usman, who was fighting for the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham in Syria. Detectives uncovered that Mohammad wired $350 in two payments, fully aware his nephew was involved with a UK-proscribed Islamist terrorist organisation.
Guilty at Old Bailey After Tense 10-Day Trial
On 26 April 2024, Mohammad was convicted of two terrorism funding offences at London’s Old Bailey. Evidence revealed he transferred money in November 2017 and January 2018, knowing the cash would bankroll Usman’s militant activities in Syria.
One chilling message from Usman in May 2017 read: “Uncle forgive me, God willing I am going to participate in a fight, either I will stay alive or I become a martyr, it is up to God.”
Messages and Pics Expose Terror Financing
Police seized Mohammad’s phones at Stanstead Airport in February 2018, uncovering further damning messages. In June 2017, Usman requested $650 “to buy a weapon” directly from his uncle. Officers also found a photo showing Usman on a motorbike with a gun slung over his shoulder.
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said:
“While Mohammad’s sums were small, he was fully aware the money was to buy firearms and fund terrorist fighting. Groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham bring devastation. Supporting them, family or not, is a serious offence and taken extremely seriously by us.”
Counter Terrorism Unit’s Sharp Work Cracks Case
Mohammad was stopped by officers under the Terrorism Act at the airport carrying over £4,000 and three mobile phones, all seized and analysed. The National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit pieced together a timeline of transfers and conversations proving Mohammad’s knowledge of Usman’s terrorist role.
Commander Murphy added: “Counter terrorism powers at the airport and the specialist skills of our financial unit were key to convicting Mohammad. Anyone thinking of funding terrorism should think again – we will investigate and prosecute.”
Mohammad Faces Sentencing in June
Farhad Mohammad, from colchester/" title="Colchester" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Colchester, Essex, was charged on 10 July 2023. Along with the two guilty counts, he was cleared of two other fundraising claims, and one count remains undecided.
The National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit works relentlessly to nip terrorist funding in the bud. The public is urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to www.gov.uk/ACT or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.
