Fake Journalist Jailed for Terror Plot Docs
A man pretending to be a journalist has been locked up for five and a half years after being caught with bomb-making manuals and extremist material. Mohamed Kuwaldeen, 38, of no fixed address, was convicted yesterday (12/6) at Kingston Crown Court of possessing documents useful for terrorist purposes.
Posing as Reporter to Hide Terror Plans
Kuwaldeen was arrested in Slough back in November 2018 after Counter Terrorism Police found forged journalist ID, a laptop, smartphone, and a memory stick filled with dangerous documents. These included guides on bomb-making and tips on dodging the police and security services — all the makings of serious terror kit.
False Claims Uncovered
The Sri Lankan national claimed he was merely researching for journalistic work. But investigators found no trace of any published articles. His fake credentials and lies unravelled quickly under questioning.
Lengthy Jail Term for Terror Material Hoarder
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, slammed Kuwaldeen’s excuse. “He tried to pass off his stash as research, but the documents were dangerous and could have helped someone plan an attack,” she said. Kuwaldeen will serve his full term without automatic halfway release and face an extra year on licence.
This case highlights the sharp work of police sniffing out terror threats hiding in plain sight.
