Cavan Medlock, from Harrow, appeared at the Old Bailey court in central London. AP
Cavan Medlock, from Harrow, appeared at the Old Bailey court in central London. AP
Cavan Medlock, from Harrow, appeared at the Old Bailey court in central London. AP
Cavan Medlock, from Harrow, appeared at the Old Bailey court in central London. AP

Accused far-right extremist in UK denies plot to kill solicitor for his migration work


Simon Rushton
  • English
  • Arabic

An alleged right-wing extremist has denied a terrorist plot to kill a solicitor involved in preventing the UK from deporting immigrants.

Cavan Medlock, 29, allegedly arrived at a law firm in north-west London armed with a knife, handcuffs, a Nazi flag and a Confederate flag, which is significant in American white supremacy movements.

Mr Medlock is accused of threatening to kill solicitor Toufique Hossain, threatening a receptionist with the knife and abusing two other members of staff because of their racial or religious background.

Prosecutors say he is an extreme right-wing terrorist who planned to kill Mr Hossain at the Duncan Lewis law firm in Harrow, London, because he objected to his involvement in preventing the government deporting immigrants.

On Wednesday, Mr Medlock, from Harrow, appeared at the Old Bailey court in central London to enter pleas to the six charges against him.

He pleaded not guilty to preparation of terrorist acts on or before September 7 last year.

The charge states that he conducted research into the firm and Mr Hossain, and equipped himself with a knife, restraints and flags "with a view to kill".

Mr Medlock denied a separate charge of making a threat to kill the same solicitor.

He pleaded guilty to four other offences relating to the three other staff members.

Mr Medlock admitted to battery and threatening the receptionist with a knife, and causing racially aggravated alarm, harassment or distress to the two other employees.

During the hearing, Mr Justice Wall set a two-week trial for July 11 next year at Kingston Crown Court.

The defendant, who wore black jogging pants and a hooded top, was remanded into custody.

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Updated: December 22, 2021, 8:40 PM