A secret network of Telegram channels with links to Russia has been caught encouraging people in the UK to attack mosques and harm Muslims. These groups have been offering payments in cryptocurrency to anyone willing to vandalize mosques and commit acts of violence. Campaigners and researchers warn that these channels are spreading dangerous messages, with some even sharing bomb-making guides and designs for 3D-printed weapons.
Earlier this month, several mosques and schools in London were defaced with anti-Muslim graffiti. Investigations suggest that these acts were influenced by the same online groups. The graffiti included references to the extremist groups that operate these channels. Authorities are now investigating whether more people have been recruited for violent acts.
What makes this case even more alarming is that the messages in these groups have escalated. Initially, they encouraged graffiti, but now they openly call for knife attacks. Experts fear that this could lead to real-world violence if not stopped immediately.
Hidden Russian Influence and Evidence
There is strong evidence linking these Telegram groups to Russian influence. Investigators found that one of the group’s administrators posted a screenshot that showed their account’s language was set to Russian. Additionally, the account’s time zone matched Russia and Belarus. Some messages were also written in Cyrillic script, a writing system used in Russia, which suggests that the original posts were written in Russian before being translated into English.
Other evidence includes posts from active users in these groups who have also been seen in pro-Putin and anti-Ukraine Telegram chats. In one case, an administrator who previously posted anti-Ukraine content later offered money to someone in Sheffield or Rotherham for an unspecified task. This suggests that these groups may be trying to recruit people in the UK for criminal activities.
Authorities believe that Russia is using these online networks to create unrest in Britain. Their goal could be to spread hatred, divide communities, and cause chaos. This strategy of using the internet to influence politics and create social tensions has been seen before in other countries.
Fear Among Communities and Government Response
Muslim communities in the UK are deeply worried about their safety, especially as Ramadan approaches. Some fear that the hateful messages from these Telegram groups could lead to real attacks. Hate crimes against Muslims have already risen by 73% in 2024, and a fake bomb was recently left outside a mosque in north London.
These groups do not only target Muslims. They have also been found sharing antisemitic content and other forms of extremism. Their goal seems to be creating as much hatred and division as possible. Experts warn that if these groups are not stopped, the violence could escalate further.
The UK government is taking these threats seriously. Authorities are investigating the Telegram channels and tracking down those responsible. Campaigners have submitted evidence to counter-terrorism police and the Home Office. The government is also working on new laws to force social media platforms to remove extremist content. However, they are urging companies to take action now instead of waiting for new laws to come into effect.
These developments have raised concerns about the safety of UK residents and the growing influence of foreign groups on British society. With violent messages spreading online, communities fear more attacks could happen if authorities do not act quickly.
