Southall Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism and Stalking Offences

Bomb-making guides found on his encrypted drive

Dihan Rahman. Picture: Met Police

A 19-year-old from Southall has pleaded guilty to a series of terrorism and stalking offences after Counter Terrorism Policing London uncovered bomb-making guides and extremist material on his digital devices.

Dihan Rahman, born 15 September 2006, admitted three counts of possessing documents likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. He entered the guilty pleas on Friday 6 February, the second day of his trial at the Old Bailey.

The court heard that Rahman was first arrested on 15 March 2024 by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London. Officers seized his mobile phone, computer and other digital devices. A forensic examination of an encrypted drive revealed that Rahman had downloaded two videos containing instructions on how to build bombs. A further terrorist document was found stored on a USB stick.

Alongside the terrorism charges, Rahman also admitted stalking two girls and a female teacher at his school. The investigation began after he was accused of stalking and threatening the two girls, one of whom had rejected his attempt to start a relationship. Following his arrest in March, he was given bail conditions prohibiting any contact with the girls. However, he continued to attempt to reach them on social media.

In May, Rahman posted images of the venue for the school prom and a photograph of a German Nazi soldier in a forest holding a gun. He also made a series of malicious complaints about a teacher who had provided evidence to police and had reported him to Prevent.

Detectives later discovered that Rahman had posted personal details of the two girls and the female teacher online, suggesting they were involved in a “conspiracy” connected to the investigation. He was arrested again in November 2024 and subsequently remanded in custody.

Rahman has now also pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images, contrary to Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and three counts of stalking, contrary to Section 4A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, Head of Operations for Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the case reflected “a growing and concerning trend of young people being drawn into extremist, violent and terrorist ideologies – principally from what they are exposed to and consuming online.” She praised the “incredible courage and resilience” of the teenage victims and commended the actions of Rahman’s teachers, whose concerns prompted the police investigation.

DCS Flanagan added that the case highlighted the importance of recognising signs of radicalisation among young people and urged anyone with concerns to “ACT Early and contact us before it may be too late.” She also stressed that police take allegations of violence against women and girls extremely seriously and “will not hesitate to take action against somebody who is suspected of such sinister action towards women and girls.”

Advice on recognising radicalisation and information on how to contact police is available at www.actearly.uk.

Rahman will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 6 May.