Mohammed Hijab Claims UK Police Attempted Informant Recruitment
YouTuber alleges counter-terrorism authorities sought cooperation after seizing his electronic devices at airport.
1Allegations of Informant Recruitment
Prominent British YouTuber Mohammed Hijab has publicly claimed that UK counter-terrorism police attempted to recruit him as an informant. Hijab, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, shared screenshots of official documents obtained through a subject access request. One handwritten note explicitly states that the individual does not want to be an informant.
2Device Seizure and Documentation
The incident reportedly began in May 2025 when Hijab was stopped by counter-terrorism officers. During this encounter, authorities seized his electronic devices, which were not returned until September 11. Hijab claims police reviewed over ten thousand personal messages during the period the devices were held in official custody for forensic examination.
3Schedule 7 Legal Framework
The stop occurred under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows police to detain and question individuals at UK ports without prior suspicion. A letter from the Gatwick Borders Team confirmed the retention of his property. The document noted that this action does not necessarily imply the subject is under criminal investigation.
4Scope of Criminal Investigation
Despite the initial letter, Hijab later stated in a video that he was called for a police interview under caution. He clarified that while he was not formally arrested, he remains the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation. He characterized the questioning as being primarily focused on his activism regarding anti-Israeli political positions.
5Public Debates and Activism
Hijab is well-known for his online presence, boasting over one million subscribers on YouTube where he discusses religion and politics. He has frequently engaged in high-profile public debates, including appearances on Piers Morgan's show. His recent discussions have included debates with former Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus regarding the ongoing regional conflict.
6Lack of Official Response
Media outlets have reached out to Counter Terrorism Policing London to seek clarification regarding these specific allegations. As of the time of publication, the authorities have not provided a formal response or comment on the matter. The redactions in the shared documents leave the full context of the police interaction currently unverified.
7Context of Redacted Documents
The screenshots provided by Hijab show pages marked as redacted excerpts with the official Counter Terrorism Policing logo. It remains unclear whether the police redacted the content to protect sensitive operational information or if Hijab himself obscured parts of the documents. The only legible text remains the note regarding his refusal to cooperate.
8Broader Implications of Policing
This case highlights the controversial application of Schedule 7 powers in the United Kingdom. Critics often argue that such broad detention powers can be used to pressure activists or public figures. The situation underscores the tension between national security measures and the rights of individuals involved in vocal political and religious advocacy.
Original article: Middle East Eye — Mohammed Hijab Claims UK Police Attempted Informant Recruitment