A teenager has been convicted of multiple terrorism offences after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London found that he collected terrorist materials, provided cybersecurity guidance to terrorist organisations and advised on anonymous cryptocurrency donations, as reported in Metropolitan Police.
Yusuf Shah, 18, of Ilford, was convicted at Kingston Crown Court following a five-week trial. He was 16 years old when he first came to the attention of authorities after being stopped at Heathrow Airport under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act in January 2024.
Following the stop, officers seized Shah’s mobile phone and downloaded its contents. A search conducted at his home address in April 2024 resulted in the seizure of a computer and USB storage devices, which were also examined as part of the investigation.
The investigation found that Shah had been active on social media since 2021, when he was 13 years old, initially discussing religion. From the end of 2022, investigators found that he had begun expressing support for terrorist organisations, including Al Qaida and Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP).
According to Counter Terrorism Policing London, Shah subsequently offered his technical expertise to terrorist groups by providing advice on cybersecurity and methods of avoiding detection while making cryptocurrency payments.
The digital examination of Shah’s phone revealed that he had accessed an online magazine published by Al Qaida containing practical information on carrying out terrorist attacks. Investigators also found that he had downloaded documents containing instructions for manufacturing explosives and explosive devices, as well as documents explaining the use of different types of weapons.
Police further found that Shah had participated in Telegram chat groups that supported terrorist organisations and included members from different parts of the world. Investigators said he presented himself in these groups as someone who shared their violent ideology and could assist them with technical computer knowledge.
According to the investigation, Shah advised members of one such group to use a specific untraceable cryptocurrency to donate to Al Qaida. In April 2024, a donation of $1,376.51 was made using the QR code and security methods that Shah had recommended. Investigators said it was the only donation made using that QR code.
At the end of March 2024, Shah was contacted on Telegram by an individual seeking assistance in producing a cybersecurity guide for Tehrik-e-Taliban. According to investigators, the individual claimed that the request had come from a senior official within the terrorist organisation.
Shah subsequently prepared a document titled A Guide on Cybersecurity, which contained detailed guidance on cybersecurity practices and the use of cryptocurrency. Investigators said he sent the document to the individual to assist the terrorist organisation in conducting its activities covertly.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the investigation showed that Shah had been drawn into extremist and terrorist ideologies when he was only 13 or 14 years old. She said the case reflected a growing trend of children and young people becoming radicalised online and accessing violent extremist material.
She further stated that despite being only 16 years old, Shah possessed sufficient technical knowledge to provide practical advice to terrorist groups on making anonymous cryptocurrency payments. She urged parents and carers to remain aware of their children’s online activities, particularly on social media platforms, and to engage with them about their internet use. She also said that support was available through the ACT Early initiative for those concerned about signs of radicalisation.
Following the trial, Shah was convicted of one count of entering into or becoming concerned in an arrangement under Section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000, relating to making money or other property available for terrorism between 26 March and 5 April 2024.
He was also convicted of one count under Section 6(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2000 for providing instruction or training while knowing that the recipient intended to use that training in connection with the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism between 30 March and 4 April 2024.
In addition, Shah was convicted on three counts of collecting terrorist material contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Shah has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 16 September.
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