Four Men Sentenced for Terrorism-Related Offenses in UK

Four Men Sentenced for Terrorism-Related Offenses in UK

A 33-year-old man from West Bromwich, Tshko Mohamad, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for participating in a terrorist funding arrangement connected to a pro-Islamic State (IS) WhatsApp group. Mohamad is one of four individuals involved in a conspiracy that has raised serious national security concerns.

Mohamad collaborated with 24-year-old Omar Ahmadi from Sheffield, while Roshman Saaed, 30, was sentenced to 12 years for his conviction regarding the dissemination of terrorist publications. The fourth member, Iraqi-born barber Mohammed Hamad, also 30, faces four years in prison for sharing terrorist propaganda videos.

Hamad admitted guilt to charges of disseminating material connected to the so-called Islamic State, acknowledged in court as encouraging and glorifying acts of terrorism. He entered the UK from Iraqi Kurdistan in 2016, where he claimed his life would be at risk if he returned. Hamad testified about his previous association with a preacher who had reportedly joined Daesh, a name often used for ISIS.

Evidence presented during the trial indicates that Mohamad instructed Saaed via a voice note to create the WhatsApp group comprising like-minded individuals united by their support for IS. The introduction to the group was notably alarming, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and threatening dire consequences for those who opposed them.

Among the incriminating content shared in the group's chats were videos glorifying violence, including a disturbing clip showing prisoners being beheaded and another depicting a shackled soldier in flames—described in shockingly casual terms as "tasty." These materials were deemed not merely as expressions of belief but as direct incitements to violence.

The group's existence came to light during investigations that led to Ahmadi's arrest at Stansted Airport. He was found with £7,000 hidden in baby milk powder tins, which authorities suspect was intended for funding terrorist activities.

During his arrest, Hamad asserted his lack of religious devotion and presented himself as a regular member of Liverpool's community. His defense claimed that his actions were inconsistent with his lifestyle, which included attending nightclubs and having a diverse circle of friends. However, Judge Neil Flewitt expressed skepticism, reflecting on the apparent contradiction between Hamad's public persona and his involvement in supporting a group committed to violent extremism.

Detective Superintendent Annie Miller from Counter Terrorism Policing emphasized the seriousness of the group's activities, stating, "It’s clear all these men were involved in supporting Islamic State. The group chat was used to promote propaganda and arrange to raise money in the UK to then send to IS to support their activities." She reiterated that promoting terrorism in any form is completely unacceptable, highlighting ongoing investigations into online behavior that breaches terrorism laws.