Man convicted over terror manuals

A failed asylum seeker who stored up what police called a "vast library of terrorist material" on his computer has been convicted of further charges.

Omar Altimimi, of Bolton, was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of two charges of possession of material for a purpose connected with terrorism.

The 27-year-old had been found guilty of four similar charges on Wednesday.

He will be sentenced on Friday with Yusuf Abdullah, 30, who earlier pleaded guilty to proceeds of crime offences.

Altimimi had denied all knowledge of the material found on his computer and had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
But on Wednesday he was convicted of four counts of possessing computer files connected with the preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

After further deliberations, the jury at Manchester Crown Court convicted him on Thursday of the two further charges as well as two charges under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act.

Nightclub targets

Nightclubs and airports were among the "suitable targets" identified in the "vast library" of terror material found on his computer, the jury heard.

During his four-week trial, the jury heard how he had arrived in the UK from the Netherlands in 2004.

Prosecutors alleged that Altimimi created three identities and was collecting terror information on his computer.

The jury convicted him of possessing files relating to an organisational chart for a terror cell, instructions on bomb detonators, instructions on making explosives, and details about chemical explosives and "bombing strategies".

He was arrested last year on suspicion of money laundering when he tried to withdraw £3,000 believed to have been stolen from the Yemen Tourist Promotion Board, the court was told.

The prosecution said the computer carrying terror-related files was recovered from Altimimi's home when it was raided seven weeks after his arrest.

Police arrested Altimimi at the same time as they arrested Abdullah, also of Bolton. He has pleaded guilty to proceeds of crime offences, which police said related to acquiring $54,610 (£27,213) of criminal property.

'Terror cell'

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the Greater Manchester Police Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "We will never know who Altimimi really is.

"He developed a range of identities, which would allow him to expand his terrorist activities. He is a congenital liar and has lied throughout this investigation."

Det Ch Supt Porter said Altimimi used his wife and children to appear as an ordinary family man and blend into the community.

"But behind closed doors he was downloading shocking videos of executions, bomb-making recipes and information on how to establish a terrorist cell," he said.

"He appears to have been a 'sleeper' remaining in the shadows waiting and preparing for action.

"We will never know exactly what Altimimi was preparing to do but it was clear he had support and links with terrorists across the world."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that when Altimimi's two computers were seized other material found included a job description for a role with GMP police and application forms for Bolton Council and for a teacher training position.

Here’s another interesting clip from UK TV from LGF operative Kasper, on the internet jihadis convicted under Britain’s terrorism act: