Terror Terrorist Jailed for Eight Years After Funding ISIS from Syria
London Man’s Dark Journey to ISIS
Aine Davis, 39, from London, has been locked up for eight years after admitting to funding terrorism and possessing a firearm for terrorist purposes. He fled the UK in July 2013, hopping on a plane to Turkey before heading into Syria to join ISIS.
Secret Communications and Weapons in Syria
While fighting with ISIS, Davis kept in close contact with his wife, Amal El-Wahabi, sending her Turkish and Syrian phone numbers. He even sent photos showing himself with armed fighters—clear evidence he was deep in terrorist activity abroad.
Cash for Terror Uncovered at Heathrow
In January 2014, British police caught El-Wahabi at Heathrow just as she was about to fly to Istanbul. They found €20,000 in cash on her—money raised in the UK destined to fund ISIS operations in Syria. Evidence suggested Davis or his associates planned to meet her on arrival.
Legal Battle Ends in Conviction
Davis had already served time in Turkey for ISIS membership but was arrested again on his return to the UK in August 2022. Despite fighting the charges, courts ruled the offences were distinct. He pleaded guilty to terrorism funding and firearm possession.
Nick Price, Head of CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:
“Davis left the UK and travelled to Syria to involve himself with a proscribed terrorist organisation. While in Syria, he was able to call upon an associate or a network of likeminded individuals to arrange and deliver 20,000 Euros to his wife, which was due to be taken to the country. There is sufficient evidence through the communication between Davis and his wife to demonstrate that the money was to finance terrorism. Photographs and messages recovered from his wife’s phone clearly show that Davis was part of the Islamic State group and concerned in terrorist-related activity in Syria. It is only right he has been convicted and imprisoned in this country.”
Davis’s eight-year sentence sends a sharp message: funding terror won’t be tolerated on UK soil.
