Plot to Murder Outspoken Figure Foiled by Police
The victim, targeted for his public profile and outspoken political views, narrowly escaped a deadly plot.
Hitman Khan Lured by £80k Payday
Detectives uncovered that Khan, then working in a supermarket, believed he was due up to £80,000 for carrying out the murder. But his sinister plan was smashed before it could happen.
On 28 January, a jury found Khan guilty of conspiracy to murder. Today, 11 March, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years at Kingston Crown Court.
Met Police Praise Joint Investigation
Commander Richard Smith, Met’s Counter Terrorism Command: “The dedication of counter-terrorism officers, Border Force, and our Dutch counterparts led to justice in this chilling conspiracy. Khan’s own arrogance was his downfall; he showed no remorse and was ready to kill for cash. Thanks to vigilance and cross-border cooperation, we stopped him in his tracks.”
Damning WhatsApp Messages Reveal Murder Plot
During interrogation, Khan claimed ignorance about the victim and said he got involved to make money for someone called ‘Mudz’. But detectives found thousands of WhatsApp messages between Khan and ‘Mudz’—also known as ‘Ali’, ‘Zed’, and ‘Papa’—laying out the grisly details.
- Discussions about payment terms and price
- Plans to travel to Rotterdam to track the victim
- Descriptions of where to find and identify the target
Police suspect ‘Mudz’ is a former business associate named Muzzamil. Anyone with info is urged to call 0800 789 321 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Khan’s Journey to Rotterdam and Arrest
Khan left London via Eurostar on 17 June, reaching Paris then taking a bus to Rotterdam. He stayed for several days but failed to locate the victim. Returning to the UK on 23 June via St Pancras, he was stopped under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after Dutch border officers flagged his suspicious behaviour.
Khan refused to give his phone PIN, leading to his arrest and phone seizure. Investigation of his messages exposed his murderous plan.
On 25 June, police raided his home, arresting him again. He was charged two days later with conspiracy to murder under section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
Khan, 31, of Sprowston Road, East London, now faces life behind bars for the botched killing spree.
