MAN, 21, JAILED FOR ISLAMIC STATE TERRORIST OFFENCES AT KINGSTON CROWN COURT

A 21-year-old south west London man has been jailed at Kingston Crown Court for posting and sharing Islamic State terrorist content online following a Counter Terrorism investigation.

An investigation led by  Counter Terrorism Command exposed how Ayoub Nacir, 21 of south-west London, was posting terrorist material on various social media accounts and platforms during the course of 2022 and 2023.

Nacir was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 24 September, to six years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Acting Commander Gareth Rees, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We’re aware of the significant impact that spreading online terrorist material can have on vulnerable individuals may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.

“The work that went into this investigation shows how seriously we take online terrorism, and we will continue to identify those individuals who spread this material online”.

Online material promoting terrorism or extremism can be reported anonymously via www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

When officers became aware that Nacir was distributing terrorist-related material online, it led to his arrest and seizure of electronic devices in October, 2023 at his unidentified home in Earl’s Court, south west London.

Officers examined Nacir’s devices, and they found that he had not only shared material that was promoting the terrorist group Daesh, but he also had documents that were likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

In particular, detectives found he was in possession of documents containing instructions on how to make poisonous or noxious substances capable of endangering health, as well as other files containing practical guidance and advice for people interested in potentially preparing and carrying out terrorist acts.

They also found a terrorist instruction manual and a large sheathed combat knife, alongside a laptop with documents on guiding a person through the experience of ‘becoming a Jihadi.’

He used social media accounts on Instagram, Tiktok and Telegram to share and promote terrorist material, frequently changing accounts to avoid detection.

Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the CPS daid: “Ayoub Nacir held violent and extreme beliefs and was intent on encouraging violence and acts of terrorism.

“His fascination with Islamic State acts is troubling and shows his commitment to extremism and advancing IS propaganda.

“The CPS will continue to work to ensure those that spread hate and fear in the name of ideology and extremism are prosecuted.”

Nacir was charged on 27 October, 2023 with five counts of dissemination of a terrorist publication, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006, which related to videos he shared.

He was also charged with five counts of possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58 TACT 2000, which related to various digital documents and files found on his devices.

Nacir pleaded guilty to eight of the ten counts and was sentenced on Tuesday, 24 September.

Two counts of dissemination of terrorist publication, will lie on file.

+ Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/act or call police direct on 0800 789 321.

In an emergency, dial 999.

Visit the ACT Early website – www.actearly.uk – to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.