A 25-year-old man from Ilford, Abubaker Deghayes, has been convicted of terrorism offences after attempting to travel to Syria to join a proscribed organisation. Deghayes was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. The conviction stems from an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
The court heard that Deghayes made an attempt to travel to Syria in July 2022, flying from the UK to Istanbul, Turkey, a common transit point for individuals seeking to enter the conflict zone. He was stopped by Turkish authorities and subsequently returned to the UK. Upon his return, he was arrested by counter-terrorism officers, leading to the discovery of significant evidence on his electronic devices.
During the investigation, a mobile phone belonging to Deghayes was found to contain a vast amount of extremist material. This included a 'terrorist encyclopaedia', which provided detailed instructions on various aspects of terrorism, from bomb-making to survival techniques in hostile environments. Prosecutors successfully argued that the possession of such material, coupled with his travel attempts, demonstrated a clear intent to engage in terrorist activities.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, stated that the conviction underscores the persistent threat posed by individuals radicalised and intent on joining proscribed groups abroad. He emphasised the continuous work undertaken by law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt, and prosecute those who seek to engage in or support terrorism, both domestically and internationally.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security services in monitoring and preventing individuals from travelling to conflict zones. While the flow of foreign fighters to Syria has significantly decreased compared to its peak, authorities remain vigilant about those who may still attempt to join or support terrorist organisations, as well as the danger of individuals radicalising within the UK.
Deghayes is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date, where the court will determine the appropriate penalty for his actions. The conviction serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences for those who attempt to engage in or facilitate terrorism, and the robust legal framework in place to address such threats.