On July 6, 2007, following the June 29th and 30th failed terror plots in London and Glasgow, jurors convicted another would-be terrorist, Omar Altimini, in Manchester’s Crown Court. The Dutch national maintained links to Arab terrorists and was possibly an al-Qaeda “sleeper” meant to reside in the United Kingdom and await instructions from al-Qaeda to possibly commit terrorist attacks in the country.
In light of recent failed terror plots, the UK remains on high alert for terrorism and authorities continue to arrest, detain, and convict terrorist suspects.
Failed Asylum Seeker Maintains Low Profile
The Manchester Crown Court convicted Omar Altimini, a Dutch national and failed asylum seeker to nine years in prison on charges of possession of material for terrorism purposes and money laundering. The father-of-three, resided in Bolton, Lancashire. UK authorities arrested Altimini in March 2006, upon discovering video footage of gruesome beheadings and various other pro-terrorism images, software, and materials. Among his computer files, security forces found detailed targets such as markets, stadiums, universities, cinemas, and nightclubs. A shopping list of common substances for the purpose of homemade explosive devices, such as pepper, sugar, and gas canisters was also discovered.
Security forces describe Altimini as a so-called “clean skin,” meaning he was not known or suspected of having terror connections when he arrived in the UK. Altimini arrived in Britain in 2002 from the Netherlands to claim asylum for himself and his family. In an apparent attempt to “blend in” Altimini had applied for various jobs including positions as a police officer and a teacher. Additionally, Altimini maintained three known differing identities, to include claiming to be an Iraqi, raised in Yemen. To date, police are skeptical of his real identity.
Altimini is allegedly linked to like-minded terrorists in Holland, as well as to Junade Ferouze, also of Lancashire, who was jailed in June 2007, as part of bomb plots led by al-Qaeda personality, Dhiran Barot.
Terrorist Use of the Internet Commonplace
Upon raiding Altimini’s residence in March 2006, security forces discovered extensive computer files and accompanying documents relating to terrorism. Specifically, computer files maintained by Altimini provided step-by-step instructions detailing how to create bombs through chemical fertilizers, similar to previous failed attacks utilized by like-minded terrorists. Altimini downloaded the majority of his terror material from a known password-protected al-Qaeda website wherein he collected bomb-making recipes, including information on detonating vehicle bombs remotely, creating cyanide gas and employing radioactive substances like radium, in explosives.
As we previously reported, terrorist’s use of the Internet as a medium for discussing, learning about and acquiring materials for terrorism has become commonplace among terror supporters throughout Europe. Additionally, as it allows individuals to communicate with each other with relative ease, the Internet is an attractive medium for those who engage in terrorist attacks, as well as those who support them.
UK Officials Warn of Long Challenge Ahead
As we previously reported, the failed terror plots in London and Glasgow have marred newly installed British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown’s inaugural days in office. Certainly facing a challenging battle ahead of them, Brown’s newest cabinet members are seeking a new solution to Britain’s terror problem. On July 9, 2007, Security Minister Sir Alan West announced the battle against radicalization in the fight against terrorism in Britain could take upwards of 15 years to achieve. Additionally, the former Navy chief Admiral declared jihadists outside of the UK were largely to blame for the radicalization of young Britons – emphasizing the existence of so-called “home-grown” terrorists residing within the country.
Future Arrests Likely As Officials Work To Dispel Terror
As we previously reported, the recent arrests and subsequent convictions of individuals suspected of assisting or promoting Islamist terrorism throughout Europe underscore the cultivation of intricate extremist networks within individual European nations, such as Denmark and the UK, and across the region.
Additionally, as increased legislation and monitoring of terrorists activities—including use of the Internet—continue, additional suspects will be apprehended. We believe as time progresses British officials will likely continue to uncover, detain, arrest, and convict individuals connected to transnational extremist terrorist networks.
