A 24-year-old man from west London, who dubbed himself an "Anglo-Jihadi", has been convicted of plotting a terrorist attack on a shopping centre after becoming radicalised through online extremist content.
Reyaad Khan, from Southall, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of preparing terrorist acts following an investigation that revealed his detailed plans to cause mass casualties at a popular shopping destination.
From Online Radicalisation to Active Plotting
Prosecutors presented evidence showing Khan's descent into extremism began with consuming radical material online before progressing to active attack planning. The court heard how he had:
- Conducted extensive research on potential targets
- Studied attack methodologies used in previous terrorist incidents
- Created detailed plans for causing maximum casualties
- Expressed his extremist ideology in communications
The Shopping Centre Target
While the specific shopping centre wasn't named in court for security reasons, evidence revealed Khan had selected a major retail destination frequented by thousands of shoppers daily. Security services intervened before the plot could advance to operational stages.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Harman of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command stated: "This case demonstrates the real threat posed by individuals who become radicalised online and progress to planning attacks against the public."
A Pattern of Concern
Khan's activities came to light through intelligence gathering operations that identified his growing interest in extremist ideology and attack planning. The investigation revealed:
- His consumption of extremist propaganda increased significantly over several months
- He began researching security measures at public venues
- Communications showed his intent to move from ideology to action
Counter-terrorism experts highlighted the challenges in detecting individuals who radicalise in isolation through online channels, without direct contact with established terrorist networks.
Prevention and Sentencing
The successful conviction represents another case where UK security services have prevented a potential mass-casualty attack. Khan will be sentenced next month, facing the prospect of a significant prison term for terrorism offences.
This case comes amid ongoing concerns about the threat from lone-wolf attackers and the effectiveness of counter-radicalisation programmes in Britain.
