Terrorism charges lead to jail term of nearly seven years for Earl’s Court radical

A 21-year-old man from Earl’s Court has been jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online.

An investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command exposed how Ayoub Nacir, 21, 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 yesterday 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 who may be at risk of being drawn into 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 last year at his home.

Officers examined Nacir’s devices and found that he had not only shared material that was promoting the terrorist group Daesh, but that 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.

Nacir was charged on October 27, 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 10 counts. Two counts of dissemination of terrorist publication will lie on file.

If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, you can report it at www.gov.uk/act or call police direct on 0800 789 321.

In an emergency, dial 999. Online material promoting terrorism or extremism can be reported anonymously via www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

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.

Pictured top: Ayoub Nacir (Picture: The Met)