A 33-year-old man from Neasden, Abdiwahid Abdulkadir Mohamed, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of possessing materials related to terrorism. The Kingston Crown Court delivered the sentence on January 21, 2024, following convictions on six counts under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Mohamed’s case began in February 2022 when Metropolitan Police officers stopped him at Heathrow Airport using Schedule 7 powers, which allow detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism. During the stop, police seized his electronic devices and conducted a detailed investigation.
Authorities discovered that Mohamed was a member of extremist Telegram groups where he stored detailed manuals on how to manufacture 3D-printed firearms. These files were kept in a private Telegram channel accessible only to him. A subsequent raid on his home in January 2023 uncovered additional extremist content and search history related to 3D printing technology.
Mohamed was charged in January 2023 with six counts of possessing documents likely to be useful for terrorism. His trial took place in October 2024, during which the court heard evidence about step-by-step instructions for making firearms and extremist plotting. He was found guilty on all counts.
He received a prison sentence of seven years, with an additional year on extended licence. Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Humphrey of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command commented on the case, stating: “This case highlights the persistent threat posed by individuals seeking to access or disseminate materials intended for violent purposes. The possession of such information, combined with Mohamed’s activities on extremist platforms, demonstrated a clear risk to public safety. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and should serve as a warning to others.”
Forensic experts confirmed that the instructions Mohamed possessed could be used to produce functioning firearms if followed correctly. This case underscores the increasing risks associated with the misuse of technologies like 3D printing by terrorists.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour linked to extremism. Immediate reporting is essential to prevent potential terror threats.
Anti-Terrorist Hotline: 0800 789 321
Anonymous tips via Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
Originally published by UKNIP.
