Three jailed for terrorism offences

 A police investigation has led to three people being jailed today for terrorism offences.

Kristen Brekke, Forhad Rahman and Adeel ULHAQ, received sentences totalling more than 15 years in prison, for their part in assisting* Aseel Muthana in travelling to Syria.

The investigation discovered that, collectively, all three of the offenders assisted Muthana in a variety of ways including research into travelling to war-torn countries and purchasing items such as a passport, flights to Cyprus and military clothing.

The investigation involved officers from Counter Terrorism Units in the North West (NWCTU) and North East (NECTU), the Welsh Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) and Nottinghamshire Police.

South Wales Police ACC Jon Stratford said: “Today’s sentence shows that those who support a terrorist organisation will be brought to justice.

“This was a complex, difficult case that shows our officers’ determination to ensure that there is no place for those who assist terrorists in Britain.

“Everybody has a responsibility for spotting the early signs of radicalisation and stopping young people thinking of travelling to Syria. 

“We work in partnership with community members and groups to do this and want to reassure loved ones and friends that through raising concerns at an early stage, we can help protect those who are potentially vulnerable or showing signs of an interest in violent extremism.

“Police would rather make sure people are put on the right path before they commit a crime, than arrest them because they have broken the law.”

Nottinghamshire Police and the North East CTU’s investigation showed that Ul Haq had sent money to an ISIS fighter in Syria and had participated in fundraising for Syrian aid.

DCC Peter Goodman said: “ULHAQ sent money to a foreign fighter overseas and was using his own social media account to raise funds for Syria.

“Ul Haq was also in contact with the others involved in this case, offering advice in online discussions with Muthana, demonstrating knowledge about crossing borders, and armed conflict in Syria.”

The Charity Commission later froze his account and paid the money he had raised to a suitable registered charity.

DCC Goodman continued: “We don’t want the public to be put off from donating to charity, but the best way of doing so is to check that the charity is registered before handing over any cash.”

There are a number of things that you can do to ensure that any charity donations are sent to an organisation for legitimate causes.

Check the charity’s name and registration number – this can be verified via www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission

• Use the same caution as with any other internet transaction e.g. don’t follow links, enter the web address yourself
• Be wary of unsolicited emails from charities you have never heard of, ignore enquiries to donate through money transfer companies
• Genuine fundraising materials will include the charity’s name, registered number and a contact number / web address.
• If you think a collection or appeal is not legitimate, report it to the police, of if you think a collection is fraudulent, report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk
• Never feel under pressure by a fundraiser to make a donation immediately.
• If you think a collector does not have a license, report it to the relevant local authority licensing team.
• If in any doubt, contact your favourite charity directly to find out how you can make a donation.

If anyone is concerned or wishes to report activity confidentially, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

Travelling to Syria
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Syria. You are at risk if you travel to Syria. The whole of Syria is unsafe, and many ordinary Syrians say that foreigners are not welcome. Returning foreign fighters pose a threat to the UK and we also have a responsibility to protect UK interests around the world. Preventing travel to Syria is a key part of keeping the British public safe whether they are at home and overseas.

We want to ensure that you are fully informed about the situation in Syria. A number of UK nationals have been killed or injured whilst in Syria and there is a high risk of terrorism and kidnap. The availability of medical support is very limited throughout the country, and there are regular disruptions to phone, internet, electricity and road networks. Travellers risk being stranded without the necessary support and are unlikely to reach their intended destination.

For more information and advice please visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk or via the Home Office

* Offences include Section 5, Terrorism Act 2006 for assisting in the preparation of an act of terrorism including the support and facilitation of travel abroad for terrorist purposes.