Detectives are continuing to seek information on the whereabouts of a wanted Watford man, after he was jailed in his absence for attempting to buy grenades over a secret area of the internet.
Mohammed Humza, 29, of Fuller Road, Watford, didn’t appear throughout the seven-day trial in October, during which he was found guilty of using the dark web to try and purchase two grenades from an international seller in July 2016.
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He was jailed for five years on Friday, January 14, following an investigation led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).
The operation found that, using Bitcoin to pay for the items, Humza used the dark web to order the grenades, listing another address for delivery in an attempt to avoid detection.
Although the order wasn’t completed, Humza continued to contact the seller and enquired about the availability of more grenades and explosive materials, along with a detonator fuse.
Officers from ERSOU arrested Humza at his Watford home in November 2016.
After searching his address, a number of his electrical devices were seized and examined by investigators. They were found to contain evidence of Humza’s intent to purchase the items, including searches for ‘F1 Grenade’ and login details for his dark web account.
He had been bailed prior to the trial but failed to attend throughout, and it continued in his absence.
Humza is described as 5’8”, Asian and of medium build. In addition to Watford, he is known to have links to Birmingham, Luton and Rochdale.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call their local police force immediately, or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, quoting Operation Footprint.
Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Davidson, Head of Investigations at ERSOU, said: “The sentence given to Humza is a clear indication of the severity of his actions, and our enquiries to locate him are ongoing. We are seeking the public’s help in ensuring he is brought to face the justice he deserves.
“It’s important to note that the offence took place some time ago and he didn’t receive the items that he was trying to buy, however I would still urge the public not to approach Humza and instead contact police or Crimestoppers immediately.”
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