A Luton man found with extremist material on his digital devices, including guides on how to make explosives, has been jailed.
Abdullah bin Yassir, 23, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after detectives found several documents in his possession containing instructions on how to manufacture explosives, as well as other content linked to Islamist terrorism.
Abdullah bin Yassir, 23, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison
Yassir was arrested in July 2025 as part of an investigation led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). A search warrant was executed at his home in Elmwood Crescent, Luton, with detectives seizing several digital devices.
Forensic examination of a phone revealed detailed documents setting out how to prepare explosive substances, including information on ingredients, safety measures and how to avoid detection.
Further evidence was retrieved from other devices illustrating an extremist mindset, including a video describing different methods for carrying out attacks and the use of vehicles, knives, and firearms. The investigation also revealed messages which expressed his support for violence and justified previous terrorist attacks.
Yassir was subsequently charged with three counts of collecting information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism (between 1 January 2025 and 7 June 2025) under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He was sentenced at a Central Criminal Court hearing on Friday (3 July). His Honour Judge Anthony Leonard, addressing Yassir, said: “You had more than a passing interest in Islamic extremism. It is not possible to look at your offending as an isolated event due to the material found on your electronic devices. The offence is so serious that only custodial sentence is justified.”
Assistant Chief Officer Hannah Wilkinson said: “This case highlights the serious risk posed by individuals who actively seek out and retain extremist material online. Through this investigation, officers recovered content that went beyond ideology, including detailed and practical instructions that could be used to carry out acts of serious harm.
“ERSOU’s Counter Terrorism Policing teams work closely with partners across the region and nationally to identify, investigate and disrupt this type of activity at an early stage. We would continue to urge the public to trust their instincts and report any concerns, as information from our communities remains a vital part of keeping our region safe.”