West London Man Jailed for Terror Funding Smuggling Scheme
A West London man has been locked up for eight years after funding terrorism by smuggling thousands of pounds to Turkey. The Met Police’s Counter Terrorism Command led a lengthy probe that brought him to justice.
Thousands in Euros Seized Before Crossing Border
In January 2014, 39-year-old Aine Leslie Davis worked with his partner to send €20,000 from the UK to an associate in Turkey. Police intercepted the money before it left the country, foiling their plan.
Davis was caught in Turkey in 2015 and sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for links to Daesh. After serving his time, he was deported to the UK last August, where counter-terrorism officers arrested him immediately.
Guilty Plea Sees Davis Sentenced at Old Bailey
On November 13, at the Old Bailey, Davis was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to terrorism fundraising charges. Commander Dominic Murphy vowed that authorities won’t give up on terror suspects no matter how long ago their crimes took place.
“It has been nearly ten years since Davis committed these crimes, and I hope this case sends a message that we will relentlessly pursue and seek to prosecute anyone involved in terrorism both in the UK and abroad, no matter how much time has passed,” said Murphy.
Partner Also Sentenced for Terror Links
Evidence showed the sums were arranged while Davis was in Syria, with his wife Amal El-Wahabi tasked with sending the funds. Phone logs revealed incriminating messages and calls between the couple, plus photos of Davis posing with Daesh members and weapons.
El-Wahabi was jailed for 28 months last November for funding terrorist activities. Another suspect was acquitted of similar charges.
Public Urged to Stay Alert
Davis was arrested at Luton Airport after deportation and faces multiple terror-related charges for his role in funding and possession of terrorism-related items.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity via the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 or online at gov.uk/ACT. In emergencies, call 999 immediately.
For those worried about radicalisation, support is available at the ACT Early website. Terrorist content can also be reported anonymously online or through the iREPORTit app.
