Old Bailey
(Picture: Getty Images)A former pub landlord faces terror charges over allegations he collected thousands of pounds in Covid ‘bounce back’ loans to send to ISIS, the Old Bailey heard.
Tarek Namouz, 42, faces eight charges of funding terrorism between November 2020 and May 2021, as well as claims he had two videos which would be useful for a terrorist.
“The prosecution say he sent the proceeds of coronavirus ‘bounce back’ funding loans to ISIS”, said prosecutor Jonathan Polnay.
Defence barrister Tyrone Smith QC said Namouz “intends matters should be contested”, as the case was set down for trial.
Mr Justice Sweeney told the hearing: “Clearly this is a serious case”, and said it will be tried in front of Judge Peter Lodder QC at Kingston crown court.
Namouz appeared in court via videolink from HMP Wandsworth, speaking only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing.
He is due to appear in court to enter his pleas on July 22, and the trial is set for November 21.
Namouz, of no fixed address, is accused of eight separate incidents of funding terrorism, in November and December 2020, January 2021, twice in March and April 2021, and once on May 2021.
He is accused of having videos “likely to be of use to a person committing or preparing acts of terrorist on May 25, 2021.
The former landlord of a London pub has not yet entered any pleas.
