Man jailed for using SIM cards to give IS supporters access to social media
The 32-year-old would pass on phone numbers and SIM activation codes to terror suspects setting up accounts on social media.
Saturday 28 April 2018 09:04, UK
A car wash worker who used mobile phones and SIM cards to allow Islamic State supporters to activate social media accounts across the world has been jailed for eight years.
Rabar Mala is said to be the first person prosecuted for using phones and SIM cards for the purposes of terrorism.
The conviction comes after police raided his home in Warrington, Cheshire, last year and recovered 360 SIM cards. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of the possession offence committed between January 2016 and August 2017.
Manchester Crown Court heard how the 32-year-old would pass on phone numbers and activation codes to terror suspects - some of who are believed to be in Syria, Iraq and Turkey - who would use the information to set up accounts on social media and encrypted messaging apps.
"The purpose of these activities was to promote, reinforce and encourage support for the activities of the proscribed organisation, Islamic State, and related entities," said Sean Larkin QC, prosecuting.
Police discovered thousands of messages during an extensive investigation between the Mala and IS supporters.
In one message, after the Manchester Arena bombing, he wrote: "Allahu Akbar - Breaking news/ British media: Explosions and shooting at celebration complex in Manchester Near me - O Allah, direct their shooting, O Lord."
The court heard how the Iraqi-born Kurd also told the recipient that he had been planning to travel to IS territory for four years.
In another message, he spoke of the potential for targeting the Royal Cheshire County Show, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
"I am in a place, its head is itchy for operation... it is the biggest show in Britain - about half a million people will attend the show," he wrote.
"There is everything in it - cars in every type... on for BKC (semi-automatic machine gun) and hand grenade. It will start tomorrow. The name of the show is Cheshire show. That area has got that name... I have about 7 tickets. It only needs people and weapon.
"Believe it will be hunt for crusaders and all of them are big people and companies."
Christopher Henley QC, defending, said Mala became "socially very isolated" after losing his right to stay in the UK and that "something caused an obsessive fascination to take hold".
The failed asylum seeker had been using the identity of his brother - who was granted asylum - to continue living in the UK.
However, Judge Patrick Field QC told Mala he did not think he was a "misguided individual" but that "these were the deliberate and repeated acts of a determined adherent to the IS creed".
He added: "It is clear to me from the evidence that you were thoroughly committed to the cause of IS. You actively supported violent jihad and terrorism.
"Your support of this cause engaged you in playing a significant role in the dissemination of IS propaganda and facilitating communications between the followers of IS."