Three men convicted after foiled antisemitic terror plot in Greater Manchester

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 17:14

By David Murphy

Three men have been convicted following a major counter terrorism investigation into a planned antisemitic attack targeting Jewish communities in Greater Manchester.

Walid Saadaoui aged 38 and Amar Hussein aged 52 were convicted of preparation of terrorist acts at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday 23 December 2025. Saadaoui’s brother Bilel Saadaoui aged 36 was convicted of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism.

The court heard that Walid Saadaoui was the driving force behind the plot which aimed to carry out a mass casualty attack against Jewish people in Greater Manchester. Prosecutors said the plan was inspired by Islamic State ideology and involved obtaining automatic firearms from abroad.

In late 2023 Saadaoui made online contact with a man he believed shared his extremist views. That individual was in fact an undercover counter terrorism officer known in court as Farouk. During their exchanges Saadaoui made clear his desire to conduct a large scale attack targeting Jewish communities.

Saadaoui later introduced Farouk to Hussein who was described as like minded and willing to take part. The pair believed the undercover officer could import firearms which they intended to use in the attack.

Over the following months Saadaoui and Hussein carried out reconnaissance in Upper Broughton in Salford and made visits to the Port of Dover to observe what they believed would be the route for smuggled weapons entering the UK.

Investigators also established that Saadaoui discussed his plans with his brother Bilel Saadaoui. During the trial Walid Saadaoui admitted that his brother was aware of the plot despite earlier denials. The court heard that Bilel Saadaoui chose not to alert authorities and remained silent despite knowing an attack was being planned.

The three men were arrested before any weapons entered circulation. They have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 13 February 2026.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts who leads Counter Terrorism Policing North West said the case represented one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions seen in the UK in recent years. He said the intended attack was born out of hate and intolerance and could have been devastating if allowed to proceed.

He also paid tribute to the undercover officer whose role carried personal risk and said the operation was carried out during a period of heightened concern within the Jewish community. He confirmed that police worked closely with partners including the Community Security Trust throughout the investigation and trial.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson said the convictions reflected the professionalism and determination of counter terrorism officers and prosecutors. He said the offenders’ hatred towards the Jewish community was clear and that the investigation prevented serious loss of life.

Sir Stephen Watson added that an attack on Jewish residents would have been an attack on the whole community and said Greater Manchester Police would continue to work with all communities to ensure people feel safe regardless of race religion or belief.