Russia-linked Telegram channels encouraging and funding attacks on mosques

Friday 28 February 2025 - 10:32

By: Zahouani Ilham

Russia-linked Telegram channels encouraging and funding attacks on mosques

A network of Telegram channels with ties to Russia has been actively encouraging UK residents to commit violent acts against mosques and Muslims in exchange for cryptocurrency, according to campaign groups.

These channels have already been associated with real-world incidents, including Islamophobic graffiti on mosques and schools in east and south London. Some of these graffiti pieces referenced the groups behind the online activity, prompting police investigations.

Beyond inciting vandalism, these groups have escalated their rhetoric, shifting from graffiti to directly calling for knife attacks. They have also been circulating bomb-making manuals, designs for 3D-printed weapons, and posters with QR codes linking to extremist content.

The campaign group Hope Not Hate has submitted a report on these channels, along with evidence of their Russian links, to counter-terrorism authorities and the UK Home Office. Other organizations, such as the Community Security Trust (CST) and Tell Mama, have also raised alarms over the groups’ efforts to incite hatred, particularly against Muslims.

Concerns about Russian interference have intensified amid a surge in Islamophobic incidents, which rose by 73% in 2024. A recent case involved a fake bomb left outside a mosque in north London. There are growing fears that Russia is using digital disinformation campaigns to exploit ethnic and religious divisions in Britain and other Western nations.

MI5 Director Ken McCallum has previously warned that Russian intelligence is attempting to spread chaos in the UK and Europe. Experts believe these Telegram groups may be recruiting individuals for violent actions, actively engaging with far-right activists on the platform.

British MPs, including Stella Creasy and Calvin Bailey, have called for urgent action, citing serious concerns about foreign interference and public safety. The director of Tell Mama, Iman Atta, confirmed that the organization has reported the networks to law enforcement, particularly as Ramadan approaches, heightening fears within Muslim communities.

Evidence linking these channels to Russia includes screenshots revealing Russian language settings, time zones consistent with Russia and Belarus, and the use of Cyrillic script in messages. Additionally, some active users in these groups have participated in pro-Putin and anti-Ukraine Telegram discussions.

These channels have gone beyond inciting hate speech, reportedly offering cryptocurrency rewards for acts of vandalism and even attacks on police vehicles. In one instance, an admin sought assistance in Sheffield or Rotherham, offering payment for an undisclosed task.

The UK Home Office has reiterated its commitment to national security, emphasizing that online platforms must take immediate action to remove extremist content. The government is working to implement the Online Safety Act to combat the spread of harmful material and protect communities from incitement to violence.