West London Man Jailed for Funding Terrorists with Covid Cash
Tarek Namouz Caught Sending Thousands to Daesh in Syria
Tarek Namouz, 43, of West London, has been slammed with a 12-year prison sentence for funneling more than £11,000 to a Daesh supporter in Syria. The court heard Namouz’s messages with the fighter discussed buying weapons and explosives to attack Syrian government forces.
Covid Grants Used to Fund Terror Plot
Namouz didn’t just use his own money. During the pandemic, he claimed government Covid bounce-back loans meant to support his Hammersmith barbershop. But instead of helping his business, he sent that cash — plus other funds — to terrorists abroad.
“You were entitled to Covid bounce-back loans which were paid to you by the local council. You sent that money, and other money, through a west London transfer and currency exchange, to terrorists in Syria,” said HHJ Lodder KC at sentencing.
Hidden Phone Revealed Shocking Evidence
When officers raided Namouz’s flat in May 2021, he claimed he had no phone. A quick search found one stashed under a drawer. On it were thousands of Daesh propaganda messages, plus videos showing how to make bombs and carry out knife attacks.
Further investigation uncovered financial records from a West London money transfer bureau showing Namouz sent at least £11,280. But in prison, he claimed to have sent more than £25,000 in total.
Met’s Counter Terror Boss Warns: We’re Watching
“Terrorist groups rely on funding to carry out their activities and to continue to operate,” said Commander Richard Smith from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. “People like Namouz enable horrific attacks, and we will always hunt down those who bankroll terror.”
Community Alert: Report Suspicious Activity
Communities are key to stopping terror threats. If you notice anything suspicious or believe someone is involved in terrorism, trust your instincts and report it confidentially at gov.uk/ACT or call the anti-terror Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
