Teen convicted after offering crypto advice to terror groups

Yusuf Shah

A London teenager has been convicted of multiple terrorism offences after investigators uncovered evidence he collected extremist material and provided cyber security guidance designed to help terrorist groups evade detection online. The case has intensified concerns over the growing radicalisation of young people through social media and encrypted messaging platforms.

From Online Extremism to Terror Support

Yusuf Shah, 18, from Ilford, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court following a Counter Terrorism Policing London investigation. Detectives said Shah first came to the attention of authorities in January 2024, when he was stopped under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act at Heathrow Airport while still aged 16.

His mobile phone was seized, and later searches of his home uncovered a computer and USB storage devices containing evidence that prosecutors said charted years of escalating extremist activity.

Digital Footprint Revealed a Dangerous Shift

Investigators found Shah had been active on social media since 2021, when he was just 13. By the end of 2022, he was openly expressing support for Al Qaida and offering technical advice aimed at helping terrorist groups make anonymous cryptocurrency payments and conceal their online activity.

Officers also recovered material showing Shah had accessed Al Qaida publications containing instructions on bomb-making, weapons and other methods of carrying out terrorist attacks. He was also active in Telegram groups supporting extremist organisations, where he offered his technical expertise to like-minded users.

Cybersecurity Guide Built for Terror Group

The court heard that in March 2024 Shah was contacted via Telegram and asked to help produce a cyber security guide for Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP). Prosecutors said he created a document titled A Guide on Cybersecurity, detailing ways to strengthen online security and use cryptocurrency to help the group operate covertly.

Evidence also showed that a donation of 1,376.51 US dollars was made using anonymous cryptocurrency methods Shah had shared in an extremist online group.

Warning Over Young People Online

Following a five-week trial, Shah was convicted of entering into an arrangement to make funds available for terrorism, providing instruction intended for terrorist activities and three counts of collecting terrorist material. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on September 16.

Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London said the case highlighted the increasing threat posed by the online radicalisation of children and teenagers. She urged parents and carers to stay engaged with young people's online activity, warning that extremist propaganda and violent ideologies remain readily accessible across digital platforms.

London teenager who offered crypto advice to terror groups convicted