Charges follow probe by Met Police terrorism command into suspected activity linked to the PKK, a proscribed terrorist group

An Edmonton man is one of six people charged with membership of a proscribed terrorist group amid an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

The Met’s counter terrorism command has been looking into suspected activity linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or ‘PKK’, a proscribed terrorist group.

Those charged yesterday (Monday 9th) are Turkan Ozcan, aged 59 and of Edmonton, Mazlum Sayak, aged 27 and of South Woodford, Berfin Kerban, aged 31 and of Haggerston, Ali Boyraz, aged 62 and of Tottenham, Ercan Akbal, aged 56 and of Leyton, and Agit Karatas, aged 23 and of Hackney.

It comes after the six were arrested at separate addresses across London two weeks ago. A counter terrorism raid was also launched at the Kurdish Community Centre in Portland Gardens, near Green Lanes in Harringay, on the same day.

Following consultation with and authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, all six were charged with membership of a terrorist organisation contrary to Section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They were all due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday 10th).

A 31-year-old man who had previously been arrested as part of this investigation was released from police custody without charge.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan said: “We fully recognise the concern and impact this investigation has had upon the local community and we continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to keep them updated.

“The charges brought about in this case are very serious and come about following an extensive investigation by our detectives. It is important that communities right across London know that where we suspect any kind of potential terrorist activity, then we will look to investigate and take action to disrupt that in order to keep everybody safe.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads local policing for Enfield and Haringey, said: “I would like to thank members of the local community for their patience while this investigation has been carried out – especially those from the Kurdish community, whom I know have been particularly impacted by this activity.

“We will continue to engage with Kurdish community members going forwards to keep them updated and address any concerns.

“Additional patrols will remain ongoing in the affected areas over the coming days and I would ask that if you still have any concerns, then please get in touch with me or my local officers so that we can work with you to keep everyone safe.”

There continues to be an increased police presence in the affected areas in Haringey and local neighbourhoods officers are carrying out additional patrols and engaging with residents to address any concerns.

Anyone with information relating to the investigation or potential terrorist activity can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321or via gov.uk/ACT. Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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