HOTEL MIGRANT Brazilian asylum seeker sparks MI5 bomb scare on New Year’s Day

A Brazilian man caused chaos by planting a fake bomb outside MI5’s Thames House on New Year’s Day. Julian Valente Pereira, 32, triggered a terrorism alert and forced police to divert resources away from London’s New Year celebrations.

Fake bomb sparks full-scale terror alert

Pereira left a hoax explosive device, a cigarette lighter, and 30 pages of documents claiming “psychological torture” at MI5 headquarters. CCTV captured him throwing a suspicious cylindrical object with a fuse onto the pavement before propping it against the front doors.

Security staff zoomed in and identified what looked like bomb materials, prompting a massive emergency response. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the incident had “real gravitas” and was a serious threat given the high-profile target.

The case was charged at the Old Bailey despite mental health issues

Despite Pereira’s diagnosed schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, magistrates have sent the case to the Old Bailey. Goldspring hinted at an 18-month prison sentence, stressing the serious impact on policing on a day already packed with security demands.

The incident came one day after Pereira’s asylum appeal was rejected — his second refusal since 2023. His Home Office-funded accommodation was withdrawn shortly after, on January 9.

Prosecution warns of “ambitious and dangerous” threats

• Prosecutor Nia King revealed Pereira admitted to hating the Home Office and acting out against the asylum system.
• She said: “He acted by leaving a fake bomb outside an important building containing many people.”
• The Crown opposed bail, warning he could escalate his actions and put others at risk.
• Pereira reportedly claims to hear voices he can’t control.

Defence solicitor Jack Ward said Pereira had lived in Britain since 2018, initially as an overstayer. He surrendered in 2020 and worked full-time for 18 months before claiming asylum.

Ward insisted Pereira was “adamant” that no one would mistake the device for a real bomb. Still, Pereira denied the bomb hoax charge before his conviction.

Goldspring noted Pereira’s mental health was the only mitigating factor, but added: “You made me doubt myself, which is rare.”

Stay connected to UKNIP via Google News

ENJOYED THIS STORY? Choose UKNIP as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.