Suspected Importation of Uranium for Terrorist Purposes – No Further Action

The Client

Our client was a businessman working within the precious metals industry.

He came under investigation by Counter Terrorism Police after materials he had imported into the United Kingdom were found to contain Uranium. The Police believed this to have been imported for the use in terrorism.

He had no knowledge that material ordered as part of his legitimate commercial activities had become the subject of a national-security investigation.

The Allegations

Our client was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the importation of chemicals for use in a terror attack, namely uranium.

The discovery prompted an immediate counter-terrorism and national-security investigation. The circumstances were treated with the utmost seriousness and our client was arrested while investigators sought to establish whether he had knowingly imported or handled dangerous radioactive material.

The investigation attracted significant national media attention, creating an additional threat to our client’s professional reputation and personal life.

Our Strategy and Work

We represented our client throughout the Counter Terrorism investigation and immediately focused on establishing the full commercial background to the transaction.

A detailed understanding of his work within the precious metals industry was essential. We examined the nature of his business, the purpose of the importation, the provenance of the material and the circumstances in which it had been obtained.

Our strategy was to demonstrate, through objective evidence rather than simply relying upon our client’s account, that his business was legitimate and that there was an entirely innocent commercial explanation for the transaction.

We also addressed directly the suggestion that his business dealings might have been used as a façade for terrorist activity. This required careful and detailed representations concerning his knowledge, intention and the wider evidential picture.

Given the nature of the material involved and the national security concerns raised by the investigation, the case required specialist handling from the earliest stage.

Outcome

Following the investigation, no criminal proceedings were brought and the matter was concluded with no further action.

Our client avoided prosecution and the potentially devastating professional and reputational consequences of being associated with a national-security investigation involving radioactive material.

Comments from Elizabeth Syddall

“Investigations involving radioactive or prohibited materials can escalate rapidly because of the national-security implications. The fact that material is dangerous does not establish that a person knowingly possessed or imported it. Early preparation and careful representation during interview ensured that investigators understood our client’s legitimate business activities and his complete lack of knowledge of the contamination. The case was concluded with no further action.”

Elizabeth Syddall, Clifford Johnston & Co.

Specialist Terrorism Defence

Clifford Johnston & Co represents clients accused of serious offences under terrorism legislation, including allegations involving terrorist activity, extremist material and proscribed organisations.

We scrutinise the evidence, challenge the prosecution case and provide strong representation throughout investigations and Crown Court proceedings.

If you are facing a terrorism investigation or prosecution, contact our specialist Terrorism Defence Lawyers for expert legal advice and representation.