Britain jails ‘cufflink terrorist’ for promoting Islamic State online
A British court on Tuesday jailed an Islamic State supporter dubbed the “cufflink terrorist” because of his method of concealing digital files on a kind of tiny memory stick that can also double as a men’s fashion accessory. Cufflinks are used to secure button shirt cuffs and may also be an item of jewellery for […]
A British court on Tuesday jailed an Islamic State supporter dubbed the “cufflink terrorist” because of his method of concealing digital files on a kind of tiny memory stick that can also double as a men’s fashion accessory.
Cufflinks are used to secure button shirt cuffs and may also be an item of jewellery for boys and men, it is manufactured from a variety of different materials, such as glass, stone, leather, metal, precious metal or combinations of these.
Securing of the cufflinks is usually achieved via toggles or reverses based on the design of the front section, which can be folded into position.
Self-taught IT expert Samata Ullah, 34, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to five terrorism-related offences, including membership of Islamic State; involvement in terrorist training; and preparation of terrorism.
British counterterrorism officers began investigating Ullah after Kenyan police discovered links to him on electronic devices they seized during the arrest of a terrorism suspect.
“The Kenyan officers found their suspect had discussed with Ullah “developing the specialist skills to assist ISIL,’’ London’s Metropolitan Police said.
British detectives found Ullah was an “active member” of Islamic State who taught other supporters “how to keep their actions and communications secret” through a website and advice on terrorism through hacking.
“They seized 30 “USB cufflinks” at Ullah’s home in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, including one containing Islamic State publications,’’ the force said.
Earlier reports said the material saved and disseminated by Ullah included information on missile guidance and videos instructing people how to secure sensitive data and remain anonymous online.