A 19-year-old from West London has pleaded guilty to serious terrorism offences. Dihan Rahman admitted possessing materials useful for terrorism. This included guides on how to build bombs. The guilty plea occurred on February 6, 2026. This was at the Old Bailey court in London.
Counter Terrorism Policing London led the investigation. Detectives arrested Rahman on March 15, 2024. They seized his digital devices. This included his mobile phone and computer. An encrypted drive was analysed. Officers found two videos. These videos contained bomb-making instructions. A USB stick held further terrorist documents. Rahman pleaded guilty to three charges. These were under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The case also involves other serious offences. Rahman admitted stalking two girls. He also stalked a female teacher. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images. These acts are completely unacceptable. They caused significant distress to the victims.
Stalking and Online Harassment
The investigation into Rahman began after stalking allegations. He had threatened two schoolgirls. He attempted to date one of them. She declined his advances. Police arrested him in March 2024. He received bail conditions. He was ordered not to contact the girls. However, Rahman continued to message them online. He violated his bail terms.
His concerning behaviour escalated. In May 2024, he posted images online. These showed the school prom venue. He also shared a photo of a Nazi soldier. Rahman made malicious complaints about a teacher. This teacher had supported the police investigation. She had also reported Rahman to Prevent. Prevent is a counter-extremism program.
Rahman was arrested again in November 2024. Detectives found he had posted victim details online. He suggested they were part of a conspiracy. This was related to his investigation. He was then remanded in custody.
A Growing Online Threat
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan spoke about the case. She leads operations for Counter Terrorism Policing London. She called it a concerning trend. Young people are being drawn into extremism. This happens primarily online. They consume violent and terrorist ideologies. Online platforms play a key role. This highlights the risks of unsupervised internet use.
Authorities have seen a worrying increase. Teenagers are getting involved in terrorism. This trend has grown. It was partly fueled by pandemic lockdowns. More young people spent time online alone. This made them vulnerable to radicalisation. Counter Terrorism Policing works to protect them. They urge people to “ACT Early” if they have concerns.
Vigilance and Prevention Efforts
Rahman’s teachers played a vital role. They alerted the police to their concerns. This enabled early intervention. Their actions helped the investigation. Police praise the courage of the victims. They also acknowledge the teachers’ actions. This news from London underscores the ongoing challenge. It shows the need for awareness among parents and educators.
Counter Terrorism Policing actively monitors online content. They work to remove extremist material. They also investigate individuals involved. The public can report suspicious online content. This helps police intervene sooner. Early reporting can prevent radicalisation. It can save lives.
Dihan Rahman is due for sentencing. The Old Bailey will hear his case again on May 6, 2026. The guilty plea is a significant step. However, the fight against online extremism continues. This trending news serves as a stark reminder. Vigilance is crucial in protecting young people.
