Man who built drone to give to ISIS found guilty of terrorism charge

A man who built a drone intended for ISIS have been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

Mohamad Al-Bared made the drone specifically to transport an explosive or chemical weapon into enemy territory for ISIS. The 26-year-old made component parts for the drone on his 3D printer.

Al-Bared was arrested in Coventry on 31 January and his home was raided by officers who seized the drone, 3D printer and several devices including phones and laptop.

Conversations were found on his devices which showed his supported for ISIS, along with extremist material and violent propaganda videos.

During a search of his address, detectives also found notebooks with chemical equations and recipes for chemical weapons.

After being found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court, Al-Bared will be sentenced on 27 November.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne said:

“Al-Bared was a calculated individual and coupled with his education and expertise in mechanical and chemical engineering he was clearly very dangerous.

“He has made a purpose-built drone able to carry explosives or chemicals to be used as a weapon in a war zone, thankfully he was unable to continue his efforts following his swift arrest earlier this year.

“The jury heard how security conscious he was going to great lengths to try to hide anything that might lead to his identification.

“Today’s verdict means a dangerous individual has been taken off our streets, there is no place in our society for individuals intent on participating in terrorism activity.

“We will continue to work with partners and the CPS to protect our communities by pursuing and prosecuting such individuals. We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.”