Counter Terror Business - Prosecutions & Justice

Man charged with weapons offences after being stopped under Terrorism Act

Polly Jones — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:49:15 +0000

A 24-year-old man has been charged with firearms offences after he was stopped at the port of Dover under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000 and police seized a number of weapons and ammunition.

Khalid Ahmed was detained as he arrived in the UK from France. He was spoken to by Counter Terrorism officers at Dover, and his vehicle was searched.

A number of self-loading pistols were found in the vehicle and the man was subsequently arrested.

Due to the circumstances, the investigation was led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Ahmed, who lives in Ealing and is a dual Dutch and Irish national, was charged on Tuesday, 31 March, with ten counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5 of the Firearms Act, 1968. He was also charged with one count of possession of prohibited ammunition.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “We appreciate this news may be concerning to the public, but since this arrest took place, we have been carrying out a number of enquiries and to-date, we have not identified any imminent threats to the public relating to this.

“Given the man has been charged, it is important there is no further speculation about the case while criminal proceedings are ongoing. But I can reassure the public that our investigation remains ongoing to ensure that the public is kept safe."

More arrests in Golders Green arson investigation

Polly Jones — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:53:51 +0000

Three more people have been arrested in connection with a CTP investigation into an arson attack on a volunteer ambulance service in Golders Green.

A 20-year-old man, a 19 year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were all arrested early on Wednesday, 1 April at three separate addresses in East London.

Searches are now being carried out at these locations.

Two are British nationals and the third is a dual British-Pakistani national.

All three have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and have been taken to a London police station.

Two other men were previously arrested on Wednesday 25 March, and they have both been released on bail to a date in late-April.

The incident has not been declared terrorism, but due to the circumstances of the incident, along with the specialist capability within CTP, the investigation is being led by detectives from CTP London.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation said: “Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. We know concern among the Jewish community remains high, but I hope these arrests show that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

“As I’ve said previously, the support we had from the local community since this attack took place has been incredible, and we will continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to do everything we can to keep the public safe.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London said: “We know local community concern continues to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities as they now enter the Passover festival period. Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London. This has involved a significant number of officers on the ground, with the aim of protecting communities, disrupting offenders, and detecting crime. This activity is ongoing and will continue over the coming days and weeks and includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers. It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.

“As I’ve said before, these are precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to support their investigation. We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.”

Teenager jailed for terrorism offences

Polly Jones — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:01:19 +0000

A teenager from Northumberland has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of multiple terrorism offences.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will also serve one year on extended licence and be subject to a three-year Criminal Behaviour order.

Earlier this year, the boy was found guilty following a three-week trial at Leeds Crown Court of multiple offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, possession and distribution of terrorist publications.

In February 2025, the boy, who was then 15, was arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, supported by Northumbria Police.

Officers seized his computer and mobile phone and downloaded 4.8TB of data, with a total of 253,005 messages. It was discovered that the boy was part of 25 extreme right wing online chat groups on platforms such as Telegram, Snapchat, TikTok and Wire.

The teenager told the court that he created an online persona to escape reality and his use of online platforms and social media escalated through his childhood.

Searches of his home revealed a deep-seated extreme right wing mindset. Items found included knives, crossbow, air soft rifles, body armour, masks, flags and components to make explosives.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “We welcome the sentence handed down today and hope it acts as a warning to all about the dangers of extreme online content which can have real life consequences.

“Police and partner agencies continue to work tirelessly to tackle the threat posed by sharing and possession of extremist content online, and through the Prevent Strategy, protect young and vulnerable people against extremism in all its forms.

“If you are worried about someone you know expressing extreme views or hatred, then please trust your instincts and ACT Early to prevent people becoming involved in terrorism. I cannot stress that enough and you will not be wasting our time.

“We want you to know that support is out there for you and those you are worried about. By contacting the ACT Early website (www.actearly.uk) you can access specially trained staff who will confidentially listen to your concerns and consider the right approach to get that person the help they need before they go too far.”

Chief Superintendent Kevin Waring, area commander for Northumberland, said: “We are fortunate to live and work within such close-knit communities, and we recognise the impact cases such as this can have on us all.

“We want to reassure you that we are committed to working with our partners to keep you safe.

“This case highlights the dangers which exist online and the type of material young people can access.

“It is a reminder that we all need to be vigilant and if you do become worried about someone you know, see or hear something concerning then please come forward.

“You can share information at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, call 999.”

Woman charged with inviting support for proscribed organisation

Polly Jones — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:26:30 +0000

A woman from Pilning, South Gloucestershire has been charged with multiple counts of inviting support for Hamas and other offences.

Following an investigation by the Met’s Public Order Crime Team, Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, was arrested at home on Thursday morning. She had breached bail conditions imposed following previous arrests.

The 31-year-old has been charged with using words that were threatening, abusive or insulting intending thereby to stir up racial hatred or having regard to all the circumstances was reckless as to whether racial hatred would be stirred up; publishing or distributing written material that was threatening, abusive or insulting intending thereby to stir up racial hatred or having regard to all the circumstances was reckless as to whether racial hatred would be stirred up and four counts of invited support for a proscribed organisation.

Aladwan was remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 27 March.

Two men charged with National Security Act offence

Polly Jones — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:56:00 +0000

Following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London, two men have been charged with a National Security Act offence.

The pair were originally arrested on Friday 6 March, as part of an investigation into alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area.

On Wednesday 18th March, CPS authorised charges against 40-year-od Nematollah Shahsavani and 22-year-old Alireza Farasati.

They have both been charged with engaging in conduct that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service, between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025, contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act, 2023.

In this case, the foreign intelligence service is that of Iran. Shahsavani is a dual Iranian/British national and Farasati is an Iranian national.

The men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 19 March.

Two other men who were arrested on March 6 as part of the investigation have been released without charge.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for CTP said:“These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex investigation.

"Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock to gather and assess the evidence and we have liaised closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point.

“We fully recognise that the public – and in particular the Jewish community – will be concerned but I hope this investigation reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we identify there may be a threat to their safety, and will be relentless in our pursuit of those who may be responsible."

Leeds man charged with terrorism offences

Polly Jones — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:06:56 +0000

A 33-year-old man from Leeds has been charged with 11 terrorism offences.

The American has been charged with nine counts of collect a record of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and two counts of dissemination of terrorist publications, contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

The man was arrested on 29 January 2025, as part of an intelligence-led operation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 17 March 2026.

Data released on terrorism arrests

Polly Jones — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:48:12 +0000

New data from the �鶹��s office shows that there were 255 terrorism-related arrests between 01 January and 31 December 2025, an increase of 2 per cent compared with the previous year’s 250.

This figure does not include the 2,779 arrests for proscription offences relating to Palestine Action, due to the ongoing Judicial Review and subsequent appeal.

39 people under the age of 17 were arrested n connection with counter terrorism investigations in 2025, a decrease of just one from 40 the previous year.

92 per cent of those arrested were men and boys.

At the end of 2025, there were 267 people in custody for terrorism and terrorism connected offences in Great Britain; this is the highest number since comparable records began.

Since the start of 2020, Counter Terrorism Policing and UK Intelligence Services have disrupted 19 late–stage attacks.

Countering state threats now accounts for more than 20 per cent of CTP casework and demand on the War Crimes Team has increased by 50 per cent since 2020.

Senior National Coordinator for Prevent and Pursue at Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said: “The latest statistics are a stark reminder of the enduring threat of terrorism, and how important it is that we continue to detect and disrupt plots against our communities.

“During 2025 we saw some significant results through the courts, with life sentences handed out to those who had planned the most atrocious attacks but were thankfully foiled by the efforts of Counter Terrorism Policing officers and staff. One of these was the conviction of three men in December 2025 following a foiled plot to attack the Jewish community in Manchester; they were sentenced in January this year, with two of them receiving life sentences.

“Another included a man given a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years for planning an attack against a mosque and a bookshop in the city; another involved three men who were part of an online extreme right-wing group who discussed targets for harassment and attacks, including mosques, Islamic Education centres and synagogues. They were sentenced to a combined 29 years in prison, while another case saw a man sentenced to 15 years for sharing Daesh propaganda and encouraging terrorism.

“A clear marker of this successful activity is the record number of people in custody for terrorism related offences at the end of 2025.

“Our teams work with security services to do incredible things every day to stop the horror of terrorism spilling on our streets, and today’s figures are a snapshot of those efforts.”

Man charged with crimes against humanity after CTP investigation

Polly Jones — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:26:54 +0000

Following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing’s War Crimes Unit, a former Syrian colonel has been charged with crimes against humanity.

The man is a Syrian national who now lives in Buckinghamshire.

Salem Al-Salem has been charged with a Postal Charge Requisition in relation to international crimes allegedly committed in Syria. He has been charged in relation to his time working in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence (AFI) in Damascus.

Al-Salem has been charged with three three counts of murder as a crime against humanity (CAH), three counts of torture, and one offence of conduct ancillary to murder as a CAH.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 March and is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 13 March.

The charges relate to demonstrations which took place in the suburbs of Damascus, Syria, from April 2011. It is alleged that in his role Al-Salem led a group tasked with quelling the demonstrations in the Jobar area which lies east of the city’s centre.

The CTP War Crimes Team received a referral in November 2020 relating to allegations about an individual who served as a member of the Syrian armed forces during the early 2010s.

On 1 December 2021, officers from the Metropolitan Police’s War Crimes Team visited an address in Buckinghamshire. A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of being involved in crimes against humanity and a search was also carried out at the address.

Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads CTP London said:“This has been an incredibly complex and challenging investigation, involving enquiries across many countries.

“This has required close cooperation with a number of international partners, as well as our colleagues in the CPS.

“The charges are extremely serious and show that we fully support the UK’s ‘no safe haven’ policy in relation alleged war criminals. Where we are presented with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity that fall within our jurisdiction, then, as we have shown here, we will not hesitate to investigate those rigorously and robustly.”

Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have determined that a 58-year-old man should be prosecuted with charges of murder as a crime against humanity, and torture.

“Our prosecutors have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring seven offences under the International Criminal Court Act 2001 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

“We have worked closely with the War Crimes Team at the Metropolitan Police Service as they carried out their investigation.

“As always, we remind all concerned that proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Russian involvement suspected in cargo fires

Polly Jones — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:41:50 +0000

An international investigation involving Counter Terrorism Policing London has identified suspected Russian involvement in a series of incidents targeting air freight across Europe.

The investigation involved detectives from Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, with the team established through Eurojust – the European Union for Criminal Justice.

The team shared investigative material relating to several fires involving cargo, which took place across Europe.

A package at a depot in in Minworth, Birmingham, ignited on 22 July 2024, with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London linking it to other incidents which had happened across Europe.

A 38-year-old man, a Romanian national, was arrested on 19 March 2025 on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, under section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. He was subsequently released and remains under investigation.

From their enquiries, detectives now believe that Russian military intelligence may be involved.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “The work of our European counterparts has been truly remarkable and demonstrates the critical need for us to work across borders, as well as the expertise of our colleagues overseas.

“The strength of cooperation in this case has led us to collectively identify what we believe to be Russian military intelligence involvement in a series of incidents across Europe.

“Our investigation is ongoing, and we continue to liaise closely with partners to ensure we’re doing all we can to keep the sector, and the public safe.

“We have been clear and open about the increasing levels of demand we’re seeing relating to the activity of foreign states here in the UK.

“For Counter Terrorism Policing this means more investigations, and our teams are working around the clock to identify and disrupt a range of activity to protect the UK and the public from terrorism and other national security threats.’

Teenager sentenced for terrorism offences

Polly Jones — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:52:55 +0000

A 17-year-old from Merseyside has been sentenced to a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order after pleading guilty to possession of terrorist material.

The boy was convicted of four counts of possession of terrorist material under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act.

The teen was arrested in August 2025 after calling 999 to warn police that he was planning to carry out a mass stabbing, and had amassed a collection of knives. He was 16 at the time.

At a preparatory hearing in January, the boy pleaded guilty to four S58 Terrorism charges, and not guilty to a charge of making threats to kill.

The court heard how the teenager developed an obsession with the perpetrator of the Southport murders, and had researched high school shootings and incels.

Counter Terrorism Policing North West’s (CTPNW) Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, said: “This case sets out a deeply disturbing scenario which has been witnessed on far too many occasions in recent years.

“In this instance, a teenager was clearly influenced by the perpetrator of one of the most horrific attacks on young people this country has witnessed.

“It is another worrying example of the impact that access to the huge volume of extreme, violent and radicalising material online can have on vulnerable young minds.

“Sadly, it is now routine for Counter Terrorism Policing to be investigating young people for this type of serious offence. Without this intervention, the circumstances could have been much worse.

“If you do become worried about someone you know, or you see and hear something concerning then please come forward. You can share information at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, call 999.”

Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, said: “This was a deeply concerning case involving a young person who had been drawn towards extreme and violent ideology, with the potential for very serious harm.

“Our decision to prosecute was taken after careful consideration of the evidence and the clear risk posed to the public. While the defendant’s age was a significant factor, it cannot excuse conduct that is fuelled by violent extremism and glorifies acts of mass harm.

“This case underlines the real‑world consequences of online radicalisation and the importance of early intervention. We continue to work closely with partners such as Counter Terrorism Policing to ensure that the public is protected.”