East London Man Jailed for Trying to Buy Grenade to Target Police Station
Mohammed Chowdhury, 24, from Bethnal Green, east London, has been locked up for nine years after a police sting uncovered his plot to buy a hand grenade. The bomb-crazed attacker planned to use the deadly device against a police station.
Police Find Terror Manuals and Explosives Recipes on His Phone
Chowdhury was arrested in February 2020 following a proactive police operation. Officers swooped on his home and seized digital devices. On his phone, detectives found chilling evidence—he had downloaded bomb-making recipes and guides for constructing explosive devices.
They also uncovered hand-written notes filled with chemical formulas, explosive details, and diagrams straight from the terror manuals.
Guilty Plea and Trial Ends With Heavy Sentence
He pleaded guilty in November 2020 to possessing documents likely to aid terrorism. A trial in February 2021 found him guilty of attempting to possess explosives with intent to endanger life or property.
The Old Bailey sentenced Chowdhury to nine years behind bars on Monday, 21 June 2021.
Police Warn Public to Stay Vigilant
“Chowdhury downloaded extremely concerning manuals and made serious attempts to acquire a hand grenade for an attack on a police station,” said Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“These serious offences show the ongoing threat from terrorism. The public is safer thanks to this investigation.”
“I urge anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious to report it, no matter how small. Your vigilance helps keep us all safe.”
See something, say something. Report suspicious activity confidentially at gov.uk/ACT or call 0800 789 321. In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
