Timeline: International investigation that led to Anjem Choudary’s conviction
Anjem Choudary has been convicted of taking a ‘caretaker role’ in directing Al-Muhajiroun (ALM).
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Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Anjem Choudary has been convicted of taking a “caretaker role” in directing Al-Muhajiroun (ALM).
Prosecutors said Choudary directed the terrorist organisation for a significant period of time from 2014 onwards, and also encouraged support for the group by addressing online meetings of the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS).
Here is a timeline of the international investigation that led to Choudary’s conviction:
– May 2014Omar Bakri Muhammad arrested in Lebanon. Anjem Choudary takes over as “caretaker” leader of ALM.
– September 2014Choudary arrested on suspicion of encouraging support for the banned terrorist group Isis.
– July 2016Choudary convicted alongside Mohammed Rahman for encouraging support for banned terror group Isis.
– October 2018Choudary released from prison on licence.
– July 2021Choudary’s licence conditions expire.
– August 18 2021Choudary hosts Telegram Channel “Call to Islam” – 715 people subscribe to it.
– Late August/September 2021Khaled Hussein, along with others linked to Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS), begin social media campaign calling for Bakri Muhammad to be freed from custody in Lebanon.
– September 10 2021Hussein sends message to Canadian undercover officer stating “The Islamic Thinkers Society are actually Al Muhajiroun North America”.
– October 2021NYPD makes first contact with the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command in regard to ongoing investigation into ITS.
– November 17 2021Hussein sends NYPD undercover officer a voice message which states that he is working for “Sheikh Anjem”.
– February 2022Hussein meets Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) undercover officer and sends voice note stating ITS are the “remnants of Al-Muhajiroun”.
– Spring 2022RCMP contacts the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command in relation to ongoing investigation into Hussein.
– June 12 2022Choudary hosts first online lecture for ITS – attended by NYPD undercover officers. Choudary goes on to hold around 40 lectures or classes for ITS up until April 2023.
– October 2022NYPD visits London and meets with the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command to discuss respective investigations and material.
– March 9 and 22 2023Covert recordings of Choudary speaking with his wife discussing his involvement in ITS and ALM.
– March 26 2023Further covert recording of Choudary speaking with other ITS leaders – Akbar Khattak and Abu Hamza.
– March 29 and 30 2023Choudary sends a message to ITS group chat that Bakri Muhammad has been released from prison. Choudary begins sending Bakri Muhammad direct messages the next day.
– April 2 2023Choudary hosts further online lecture with ITS which features Bakri Muhammad as a guest speaker.
– April 30 2023Covert recording of a phone conversation between Choudary and Bakri Muhammad – within this Choudary confirms to Bakri Muhammad that he took over as “caretaker emir” for ALM.
– June/July 2023Met Counter Terrorism Command officers visit the US and Canada to gather further evidence including geo-location restricted video of Choudary detailing his activities with ALM.
– June 30 2023Hussein reveals to a Canadian undercover officer his plans to visit Choudary in London.
– July 17 2023Choudary arrested at his address and Hussein arrested at Heathrow Airport as he arrives into the UK on a flight from Canada.