Syrians displaced during the war with ISIS return to their homes in the city of Hasaka, north-eastern Syria. EPA
Syrians displaced during the war with ISIS return to their homes in the city of Hasaka, north-eastern Syria. EPA
Syrians displaced during the war with ISIS return to their homes in the city of Hasaka, north-eastern Syria. EPA
Syrians displaced during the war with ISIS return to their homes in the city of Hasaka, north-eastern Syria. EPA

Man accused of using UK coronavirus loans to help fund ISIS


  • English
  • Arabic

A man has appeared in a UK court accused of using thousands of pounds in coronavirus "bounce back" loans to fund ISIS in Syria.

Tarek Namouz, 42, faces eight charges of funding a terrorist group between November 2020 and May 2021.

He is also accused of two counts of possessing terrorist information relating to videos.

The UK government has faced allegations of "complacency over fraud" concerning the loan initiative used to help businesses survive the pandemic.

The National Audit Office has suggested that £17 billion ($21.29bn) worth of loans will not be paid back. An additional £4.9bn is estimated to have been lost to fraud.

On Monday, the accused, a former pub landlord from London, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth jail.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay said the accused sent “the proceeds of coronavirus 'bounce back' funding loans to ISIS”.

Mr Justice Sweeney said it was a “serious case” that would be heard by Judge Peter Lodder at Kingston Crown Court.

A plea and case management hearing was set for July 22, with a provisional two-week trial from November 21.

The accused, who spoke only to confirm his identity, was remanded into custody.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Price, base: Dh1.2 million

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm

Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined:  12.3L / 100km (estimate)

UAE rugby in numbers

5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons

700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams

Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams

Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season

Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Angela Bassett, Tina Fey

Directed by: Pete Doctor

Rating: 4 stars

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Updated: May 03, 2022, 9:31 AM