Overview
- Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were found guilty at Preston Crown Court of preparing terrorist acts, while Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was convicted of failing to disclose information.
- Prosecutors said Saadaoui believed he was dealing with an extremist supplier but was in contact with an undercover operative known as “Farouk” who gathered evidence over months.
- The plot sought four AK‑47‑style rifles, two handguns and about 900 rounds, with deposits paid and discussions about smuggling via Dover and reconnaissance around Jewish locations in Salford.
- Counter-terrorism police executed a large “strike day” on May 8, 2024, arresting Saadaoui in a Bolton hotel car park as deactivated firearms were presented, with more than 200 officers involved.
- Sentencing is scheduled for 13 February 2026, and senior officers said the antisemitic plan could have been one of the deadliest attacks on UK soil as liaison with Jewish community groups continues.