Ilford teenager jailed for terror cyber advice

Yusuf Shah, 18, from Ilford, has been sentenced to four years and two months in custody after providing cyber security advice and guidance on cryptocurrency payments to terrorist organisations. He was also given a 10-year notification order as part of his sentence following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.

The investigation revealed that Shah, who was 16 when he began sharing his knowledge online, supplied technical advice to groups including al-Qaeda and Tehrik-e-Taliban. He provided guidance on how to remain undetected when making cryptocurrency payments and on cybersecurity matters. At the age of 16, Shah was stopped at Heathrow Airport in January 2024 under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. Examination of his phone and computer showed he had accessed and collected terrorist material and expressed support for extremist groups online.

Shah advised members of a Telegram chat group to use specific, untraceable cryptocurrency methods to donate to al-Qaeda. In April 2024, a donation of $1,376.51 was made to a QR code using the methods he recommended. He also produced and shared a document titled 'A Guide on Cybersecurity' for Tehrik-e-Taliban, containing detailed information designed to help the group operate covertly.

Following a five-week trial at Kingston Crown Court, Shah was convicted of entering into arrangements for making money available to others, providing instruction or training related to terrorism, and three counts of collecting terrorist materials. The court heard that Shah had accessed an online magazine published by al-Qaeda containing practical information on carrying out acts of terrorism, and had downloaded documents with instructions on making explosives and using weapons.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, stated that the case serves as a warning to parents about their children's online activities. She noted that Shah was drawn into extremist ideologies at a young age, reflecting a growing trend of young people being radicalised online. Commander Flanagan highlighted that even at 16, Shah possessed sufficient knowledge of the online world to offer practical advice on anonymous cryptocurrency payments to terrorist groups.

What happens next

Shah will serve a sentence of four years and two months in custody. He is also subject to a 10-year notification order, requiring him to notify authorities of certain details under terrorism legislation.