Man charged with offences linked to terrorist group in Somalia

A British man has been charged with offences linked to an Islamist terrorist group based in Somalia after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Jermaine Grant 43 (20.10.82) of no fixed address, has been charged, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with directing the activities of a terrorist organisation, namely Al-Shabaab, contrary to Section 56 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

He has also been charged with three counts of attending an Al-Shabaab commando training camp in Kismayu in Somalia, contrary to Section 8 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and two counts of possession of an article (AK47) for terrorist purposes, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The charges relate to a time between 31 December 2007 and 1 January 2010 when Al-Shabaab was operating in Somalia.

Grant is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 9 April.

Acting Commander Kris Wright, of CTP London, said: “These are serious charges and come as the result of a long-running investigation.

“This case shows we will always pursue anyone suspected of being involved in terrorist activity, no matter where in the world or how long ago it is alleged to have taken place.”