UK Man Jailed for Trying to Join Syrian Conflict
Mamun Rashid, 28, flew from London to Istanbul in July 2018 with one clear goal: to sneak into Syria and join the fight against government forces. But his plans were foiled when Turkish police arrested him near the Turkey-Syria border in early 2019.
12 Years Behind Bars
After being deported back to the UK, Rashid was immediately arrested by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. At Woolwich Crown Court on 6 January, he was slammed with a 12-year prison sentence, plus an extended five-year licence period.
Commander Richard Smith, Met’s Counter Terrorism boss, said: “Rashid spent months trying to get into Syria to fight against government forces. This case sends a strong message. Anyone travelling to conflict zones to commit terrorist acts will be hunted down and prosecuted on their return.”
Fake Student Loan Scheme
Investigators revealed Rashid had enrolled on a university course he never intended to finish. Instead, he used the student loan to bankroll his radical mission abroad.
The court heard chilling messages from Rashid, where he voiced his desire to become a martyr and die “in the cause of Allah.” Texts recovered by police showed months of attempts to cross into Syria.
Guilty Plea and Warning to Public
On 12 July 2021, Rashid pleaded guilty to preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Communities play a key role in defeating terror. If you spot or hear suspicious activity, don’t stay silent. Report it confidentially at gov.uk/ACT, or call 999 in an emergency.
