A Watford man who went on the run after he was arrested for attempting to buy grenades online has been caught and jailed.
Mohammed Humza, 30, originally of Fuller Road in Watford was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in his absence in January 2021.
He had previously been arrested at his home by officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) in 2016, after using Bitcoin to pay for two grenades on the dark web.
Humza also enquired about the availability of more grenades and explosive materials, along with a detonator fuse.
But he had in fact been talking to someone from a law enforcement agency, and never received the grenades.
After a search of Humza’s address computers were seized and examined by investigators. They were found to contain evidence of his intent to purchase the items, including searches for ‘F1 Grenade’ and login details for his dark web account.
He was bailed ahead of a trial in October 2020, but failed to turn up to any court appearances and fled overseas.
In January 2021, he was sentenced in his absence to five years in prison for attempting to possess an explosive substance for unlawful purposes.
Officers from ERSOU tracked Humza and he was found and arrested by officers from Greater Manchester Police.
He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 4, 2022, where he was jailed for a further eight weeks on top of his existing five year sentence.
Detective Inspector Ian Mawdesley said: “Although Humza didn’t end up gaining access to these weapons, the evidence uncovered left no doubt as to his intention. He then attempted to evade authorities by fleeing the country.
“Thanks to our officers, who were relentless in their pursuit of him, he has been caught and will now pay the price for his actions by spending a lengthy time behind bars, showing that you can never truly outrun justice.”
