Twin terrorist supporters facing 14 years in prison

Wednesday, August 1, 2012
10:01 AM

A pair of identical twins who raised cash to fund terrorist training in Somalia are facing up to 14 years in jail.

Mohammed Shabir Ali and brother Mohammed Shafiq Ali, both 25, donated an undisclosed amount of money between August 20, 2008 and June 21 last year.

Shafiq Ali works for Carlyle Security, a firm which has a contract with Transport for London.

Both brothers denied charges of downloaded extremist literature by Al Qaeda “ink-bomber” Anwar Al Awlaki, and of assisting a suspect named Mohammed Shamim to prepare to commit acts of terrorism.

The allegations were expected to be formally dropped by prosecutors on Wednesday after both men pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of fundraising for terrorism at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Adjourning proceedings, Mr Justice Fulford said: “The defendants will remain in custody.

“I will sit at 10 o’clock tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.”

The crime the brothers have admitted, under section 15 of the Terrorism Act 2000, carries a maximum penalty of 14 years.

The brothers, both of Bohn Road, Stepney, east London, both admit fundraising providing money while knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it will or may be used for terrorism purposes.