Key Takeaways
- The main instigator, Saadaoui, plotted to carry out a potentially deadly terrorist attack in the UK.
- Saadaoui used multiple fake Facebook accounts to spread Islamic extremist views and recruit fellow IS sympathizers.
- The target of the planned attack was the Jewish community in Manchester, with thousands of people attending a "March Against Antisemitism" being a potential target.
- The authorities deployed an undercover officer, Farouk, to gain Saadaoui’s trust and gather intelligence on his plans.
Introduction to the Plot
The plot to carry out a terrorist attack in the UK was led by Saadaoui, a resident of Abram in Wigan. According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Saadaoui had planned what could have been the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history. The investigation into Saadaoui’s activities began when he caught the attention of the authorities due to his extensive use of Facebook to spread Islamic extremist views. Saadaoui had created 10 fake Facebook accounts, none of which were in his own name, to disseminate his radical ideology. This online activity prompted the authorities to launch an investigation into Saadaoui’s activities and intentions.
The Undercover Operation
As part of the investigation, an undercover officer named Farouk was deployed to gain Saadaoui’s trust online and later in person. Farouk’s mission was to gather intelligence on Saadaoui’s plans and intentions, and to assess the level of threat he posed. Through his fake Facebook accounts, Saadaoui had been spreading extremist views and recruiting like-minded individuals to join his cause. One of his fake accounts was used to join the Facebook group of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, which contained details of a "March Against Antisemitism" held in the city centre on 21 January last year. This event had attracted thousands of attendees, making it a potential target for Saadaoui’s planned attack.
The Target of the Plot
Saadaoui’s comments to Farouk revealed his intentions to target the Jewish community in Manchester. He stated, "Here in Manchester, we have the biggest Jewish community. God willing we will degrade and humiliate them (in the worst way possible), and hit them where it hurts." This statement clearly indicated that Saadaoui’s plan was to carry out an attack on the Jewish community, with the potential to cause significant harm and loss of life. The fact that he had joined the Facebook group of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and had access to details of the "March Against Antisemitism" event made it clear that he was planning to target a specific event or location.
Recruitment of Fellow Sympathizers
Saadaoui did not work alone in his plan to carry out a terrorist attack. He recruited a fellow IS sympathizer, Hussein, a Kuwaiti national who worked and lived at a furniture shop in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Hussein was brought into the plot to assist Saadaoui with his plans, and the two individuals worked together to prepare for the attack. The fact that Saadaoui was able to recruit a fellow sympathizer to join his cause highlighted the level of threat he posed and the potential for his plan to come to fruition.
The Authorities’ Response
The investigation into Saadaoui’s activities and the subsequent deployment of Farouk to gain his trust were crucial in preventing a potentially deadly terrorist attack. The authorities’ swift action and thorough investigation allowed them to disrupt Saadaoui’s plans and bring him to justice. The case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and intelligence gathering in preventing terrorist attacks and protecting communities from harm. The authorities’ response to Saadaoui’s plot demonstrates their commitment to keeping the public safe and preventing extremist ideologies from taking hold.
