Ilford teenager jailed for supporting Al Qaida online

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 08:58 · Archive

Yusuf Shah, 18, from Ilford, has been jailed for four years and two months for providing cyber security advice to terrorist groups.

Yusuf Shah, from Ilford, has been jailed for four years and two months at Kingston Crown Court on 20 October after conviction for supporting terrorist groups. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act in January 2024 when he was 16 years old. He is also subject to a 10-year notification order.

Analysis of Shah's mobile phone and computer revealed he had been active on social media expressing support for Al Qaida and Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP). He offered technical knowledge to members of online groups, including cyber security advice and information about avoiding detection when making cryptocurrency payments. Police said Shah specifically advised members of an online group to use a particular cryptocurrency to make a donation to Al Qaida.

In April 2024, a payment worth $1,376.51 was made using a QR code and the security methods Shah had advised, according to Counter Terrorism Policing. At the end of March 2024, he was approached through Telegram and asked to help produce a cyber security guide for TTP. Shah subsequently produced a document titled 'A Guide on Cybersecurity', which contained detailed information about cyber security and cryptocurrency and was provided to the terrorist group.

Officers analysing his devices also found documents containing information about explosives and weapons, as well as an online Al Qaida publication containing material about carrying out acts of terrorism. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the case should act as 'another warning to parents and carers to be aware of what their children are doing online'.

How it is being reported

• Teen jailed after providing financial and cyber support to Al QaidaIlford teenager Yusuf Shah jailed for four years and two months after trial for giving Al Qaida and TTP cyber security advice and collecting terrorist material.Colchester Gazette · 21 Oct, 08:30
• Teen jailed after providing financial and cyber support to Al QaidaIlford teenager Yusuf Shah jailed for four years and two months after trial for giving Al Qaida and TTP cyber security advice and collecting terrorist material.Echo (Basildon) · 21 Oct, 08:30
• Teen jailed after providing financial and cyber support to Al QaidaIlford teenager Yusuf Shah jailed for four years and two months after trial for giving Al Qaida and TTP cyber security advice and collecting terrorist material.Brentwood Guardian · 21 Oct, 08:30

In this story: Yusuf Shah · Al Qaida · Tehrik-e-Taliban · Ilford · Kingston Crown Court · Counter Terrorism Policing London

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