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IT WAS, in some senses, an easy investigation for the Metropolitan Police. Once they gained access to their suspect’s phone, they found over 2,000 WhatsApp messages in which the suspect and his accomplice planned a murder.
The story began on 17th June 2021, when Muhammad Gohir Khan, who styled himself as a “businessman” but appears to have worked in a supermarket, took a Eurostar to Paris and then took a bus to Rotterdam, where his intended victim was based. Khan stayed in Rotterdam until 23rd June but could not find the man he was planning to kill.
As he travelled back to the UK, Borders Officers in Rotterdam became concerns about him as he seemed of a “nervous disposition”. Khan was arrested under Counter-Terrorism laws as he arrived at St Pancras International station. This gave police access to Khan’s phone – where they found the WhatsApp messages between Khan and a man who has not been identified.
The two discussed how to kill a Pakistani blogger who was based in Rotterdam. Police believe the blogger was targeted because he was well known and they disagreed with his political views. The two discussed how to find their target – and agreed that Khan would be paid £80,000 for the killing. After his arrest, Khan was interviewed by SO15 police officers. He denied that he intended to go ahead with the murder.
Khan, 31, of Sprowston Road, Forest Gate, E7, was put on trial at the Old Bailey. At the end of last month a jury unanimously found him guilty of conspiracy to murder. He will return to Court next month for sentencing. Khan’s WhatsApp partner used the name “Mudz”. Police are now looking for a former business associate of Khan who uses the name “Muzzamil” and have appealed to the public for help in identifying and finding him.
Commander Richard Smith from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said, “I commend the Counter-terrorism officers and Border Force colleagues whose vigilance and close cooperation initiated this investigation, which subsequently revealed a chilling conspiracy to murder.”
●Anyone who has any information which may assist police in finding “Muzzamil” is asked to ring the investigation team on 0800-789 321. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.
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