Six people charged in connection with Counter Terrorism investigation

Six people have been charged with being members of a proscribed terrorist group following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed terrorist group the PKK.

The following people were charged after initially being arrested on Wednesday, 27 November:

[A] Turkan Ozcan, 59 (06.02.1965), of Edmonton, N9,
[B] Mazlum Sayak, 27 (05.08.1997), of South Woodford, E18,
[C] Berfin Kerban, 31 (07.10.1993), of Haggerston, E8,
[D] Ali Boyraz, 62 (30.05.1962), of Tottenham, N17,
[E] Ercan Akbal, 56 (13.07.1968) of Leyton, E10,
[F] Agit Karatas, 23 (05.11.2001) of Hackney, E8.

Following consultation with and authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, all six [A-F] were charged with membership of a terrorist organisation – namely the Kurdistan Workers’ Party or ‘PKK’ – contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act, 2000. They were charged on Monday, 9 December and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 10 December.

A 31-year-old man [G] who had previously been arrested as part of this investigation was released from police custody without charge on Sunday 8 December.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We fully recognise the concern and impact this investigation has had upon the local community and we continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to keep them updated.

“The charges brought about in this case are very serious and come about following an extensive investigation by our detectives. It is important that communities right across London know that where we suspect any kind of potential terrorist activity, then we will look to investigate and take action to disrupt that in order to keep everybody safe."

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads local policing for the Haringey area, said: “I would like to thank members of the local community for their patience while this investigation has been carried out – especially those from the Kurdish community, whom I know have been particularly impacted by this activity.

“We will continue to engage with Kurdish community members going forwards to keep them updated and address any concerns.

“Additional patrols will remain ongoing in the affected areas over the coming days and I would ask that if you still have any concerns, then please get in touch with me or my local officers so that we can work with you to keep everyone safe.”

There continues to be an increased police presence in the affected areas in Haringey and local neighbourhoods officers are carrying out additional patrols and engaging with residents to address any concerns.

Anyone with information relating to the investigation or potential terrorist activity can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321or via www.gov.uk/ACT

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.