Man jailed for terrorism offences

A man has been jailed after sending night vision and thermal imaging rifle scopes to support terrorist activity by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2017 and 2018.

Muhammad Choudary, from east London, previously pleaded guilty to terrorism funding and fundraising offences following a joint investigation by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

On 15th October, he was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment at the Old Bailey, with an additional year to be served on an extended license.

Detectives discovered that he had sent thermal imaging night vision rifle scopes to Pakistan on a number of occasions throughout 2017 and 2018.

Choudary admitted that they were intended for use by the Taliban.

Acting Commander Gareth Rees, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This case is a prime example of how terrorist activity can take many different forms, and shows that we will investigate anyone in the UK who supports terrorist activity, regardless of what it may be in support of or to where it may be linked.

“This was a unique case where Government colleagues identified potential terrorist-related activity and shared information with us. Further enquiries conducted by Counter Terrorism Command officers led to Choudhary being convicted and jailed for various terrorism offences.”

Mike Pass, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “The UK operates a strict licensing regime to uphold international sanctions and to ensure military equipment does not fall into the wrong hands. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure effective controls and enforcement on military goods, which contributes to the UK’s national security.”