Men found guilty of planning a terrorist attack in Manchester

Two brothers and another man have been convicted in connection with a foiled terrorist plot intended to target the Jewish community in Greater Manchester.

The following were convicted at Preston Crown Court today (Tuesday 23 December 2025):

• Walid Saadaoui (06/06/1987), of Crankwood Road, Abram was convicted of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2006
• Amar Hussein (25/05/1973), of no fixed address was convicted of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2006
• Bilel Saadaoui (01/01/1989), of Fairclough Street, Hindley was convicted of failure to disclose information about an act of terrorism

In late 2023, Walid Saadaoui came into online contact with a man he believed shared extremist views like his own. The pair frequently exchanged messages and it soon became clear that Saadaoui was keen to conduct a significant terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.

However, unbeknownst to him, Saadaoui was actually in contact with an undercover operative – later identified in court proceedings as “Farouk” to protect his identity.

Saadaoui would later introduce Farouk to Amar Hussein, an individual considered to be like-minded and also looking to be involved with the plot. The two would-be terrorists believed that Farouk could import automatic firearms from abroad which could be used in an attack.

Over the coming months, the two developed their plans and between them conducted reconnaissance around Upper Broughton in Salford, as well as visited the Port of Dover to observe the border they believed the illegal firearms would be transported through.

Throughout the course of the undercover operation, it became clear that Walid had discussed his plans with his brother, Bilel Saadaoui. He openly discussed his brother’s awareness of the plot with Farouk and later confessed that he had done so during cross examination, despite initially denying it when questioned.

The trio have been remanded and will face sentencing at Preston Crown Court on 13 February 2026.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “Today marks the culmination of one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions we have seen in the UK for several years.

“Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein intended to target members of the Jewish community in an evil act born out of hate and intolerance. If they had been successful then what followed would have been devastating and potentially one of the deadliest terrorist attacks to ever take place on UK soil.

“Although Walid Saadaoui’s brother, Bilel, was not an active participant in preparations for this plot, he knew what was planned but chose to remain silent and that is simply not good enough.

“Our operation involved the use of an undercover operative who put himself in significant danger each time he met with two would-be terrorists. At any point he could have become a target himself but he risked his safety in the name of wider public protection and we’re sincerely grateful to him for the role he played.

“This case has come at a time of heightened concern and anxiety within the Jewish community, particularly since the terrorist attack which took place in October and recent events in Sydney. We have worked closely with stakeholders, including the Community Security Trust (CST), throughout the trial to address any concerns and provide reassurance.

“We are dedicated to making sure all communities feel safe from the threat of terrorism and bringing those who would seek to harm them to justice. We work closely alongside key partners to do this and I hope that the significant outcome from this highly resourced, proactive investigation underlines that commitment.

“The scale of this operation was huge, and I want to say thank you to all those involved as we would not be here without those efforts.”

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM said: “I want to begin by thanking the investigation team from Counter Terrorism Policing Northwest and the Crown Prosecution Service for their professionalism, commitment, and sheer hard work in bringing these extraordinarily dangerous terrorists to justice. Supported by specialist assets from Greater Manchester Police and beyond, they delivered an operation of almost unprecedented complexity, ensuring that the terrorists’ vicious antisemitism did not manifest in the destructive way they intended.

“Throughout this trial, it was clear that the offenders’ hatred towards our Jewish community knew no bounds. They sought to bring slaughter to the innocent, but the outstanding dedication and commitment of our people ensured that this could not happen.

“All too recently in Sydney, and here in Manchester in October, we have felt the devastation of terrorism directed toward our Jewish community. A terrorist attack upon our Jewish friends and neighbours is an attack on us all, an affront to every decent person in our country. Yet once again, we see the tireless and effective work of UK law enforcement and our partners, such as the Community Security Trust, in keeping our communities safe.

“Greater Manchester Police will continue to listen, engage, and stand alongside all of our communities to ensure that people feel secure in our city‑region, regardless of race, religion, or creed. I also want to thank the jury for their time and commitment over the past two months, and I hope today’s verdict provides comfort and reassurance to our Jewish community and to all the people of Greater Manchester that justice has been served.”