Man Convicted for Funding Nephew’s Terrorism Activities

Farhad Mohammad, a 45-year-old man from Osborne Street, has been convicted of terrorist fundraising after sending money to his nephew, who was fighting for the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham in Syria. Mohammad was found guilty on two counts of terrorist fundraising on April 26, following his charge on July 10, 2023. He was acquitted on two other counts related to payments made in 2017, and the jury could not reach a verdict on a fifth count.

The investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Unit revealed that Mohammad had arranged for two payments of $350 to be sent to his nephew, Idris Usman, who was actively participating in combat for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a group also known as an alternative name for Al Qa’ida under UK laws. Evidence from Mohammad’s phone indicated his awareness of his nephew’s intentions to fight, with one message from Usman stating his readiness to become a martyr.

The funds were transferred through a third party, and it was established that Mohammad knew the money would be used for terrorist activities, including purchasing a firearm. Met Counter Terrorism Commander Dominic Murphy emphasized the seriousness of funding terrorist groups, regardless of the amount, as it enables their operations and contributes to their capacity to cause devastation. The reporting restrictions on the case were lifted on Monday, allowing the details to be shared publicly.