Spanish Terror Suspect Jailed Over Bomb Manuals and Child Abuse Images
Sohaib Embarek, a Spanish national with no fixed address, has been locked up for six years at the Old Bailey. The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple terror-related charges plus possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
What Embarek Did
- Five counts of possessing material useful for terrorism—bomb-making manuals, poison guides, and Daesh propaganda.
- One count of sharing terrorist publications.
- Three counts of making indecent images of children.
- One count of possessing extreme pornography.
He was sentenced to five years and four months for terrorism offences, plus an extra 12 months on licence after release. The sentences for child abuse images and extreme pornography run concurrently at eight months.
How Police Nabbed Him
Avon and Somerset Police, alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South West, swooped on Embarek’s bristol/" title="Bristol" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Bristol hideout in December 2019. During the raid, Embarek tried to ditch his Samsung phone out the window and denied owning any devices.
Officers recovered multiple phones, a laptop, and dozens of prepaid SIM cards. Embarek had been using messenger apps like Telegram to share extremist material.
Dodgy Excuses Don’t Wash
When grilled, Embarek claimed to be a ‘legitimate journalist’ researching terrorism for five years. Yet, he couldn’t name any books he’d read or produce research notes – blaming lost notebooks on a 2015 Morocco holiday.
“Embarek had a terrorist mindset and no good reason to possess these materials,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, head of CTPSE.
She added Embarek deliberately downloaded documents in multiple languages to cover his tracks. He lied about having a degree and attending counter-terrorism training. By his arrest, he avoided traceable accounts and phones.
Warning Signs and Early Intervention
The case highlights the need for early action to stop radicalisation before it reaches criminal levels. In November 2020, police launched the Act Early website to help families spot signs of extremist behaviour.
Det Chief Supt Barnes stressed, “With more time spent online during the pandemic, extremist grooming has risen – putting vulnerable young people at risk.”
Superintendent Mark Runacres from Bristol said Embarek posed no immediate threat, but his online activities were “very disturbing.” Thanks to quick police work, he can no longer spread dangerous views.
“Cases like this are rare in the South West, but anyone worried should contact their local neighbourhood team,” Runacres added.
