Three Jailed for Sharing Islamic Terror Material Online
Three men caught with extremist Islamic terrorism material have been locked up for a total of 14 years. Met Police counter-terror officers, backed by partner forces, led the investigation that brought them down.
Mohammed Tahir, 19, from Peterborough; Muhammed Saeed, 23, from Manchester; and Mohamed Ismail, 23, from north London were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 20 May after pleading guilty to terrorism offences.
Online Hate Chat Fuelled Terror Plans
Between August and December 2019, the trio communicated through internet chat groups, spreading extremist views and violent rhetoric. They never met face-to-face but shared radical content online, including Daesh propaganda, execution videos, and guides for attacks.
“Tahir and Ismail shared illegal terrorism-related documents and material online,” said Commander Richard Smith of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. “They created chat groups to spread hatred and plot violent atrocities in the UK and the West.”
The men openly supported Daesh and discussed violent jihad against “non-believers.” Saeed even talked about carrying out a knife attack.
Coordinated Police Sting Nabs Terror Trio
The three were arrested on 30 December 2019 during a planned operation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, with help from Counter Terrorism Police North West and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).
Officers seized and analysed their phones, finding plenty of violent extremist material. They were charged on 12 January 2020.
Saeed pleaded guilty to five counts related to possessing articles for terrorism and got five years in prison. Ismail, a Dutch national, admitted disseminating terrorist publications and was jailed for four years. Tahir pleaded guilty to the same offence and received five years.
Police Urge Public to Report Suspicious Behaviour
“These men presented a real threat to our communities,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Waldie of ERSOU’s Counter Terrorism Policing unit. “Our teams work tirelessly to stop extremists and bring them to justice.”
If you spot suspicious behaviour or extremist content online, report it to the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website or call police confidentially on 0800 789 321.
Worried someone you know is being radicalised? Get help at www.actearly.uk or call the national Police Prevent Advice Line on 0800 011 3764. Specialist officers are ready to listen and act.
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