UAE-Funded Mercenary Allegedly Targeted British-Muslim Activist in London

A US-based mercenary allegedly funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carried out a covert surveillance operation against British-Muslim activist and academic Anas Altikriti in London, according to an ITV News investigation.

Abraham Golan, a dual Hungarian-Israeli citizen and head of private security firm Spear Operations Group, reportedly travelled to Britain in December 2016 to locate and monitor Altikriti, who leads the London-based Cordoba Foundation think tank.

ITV News said financial records showed Golan was being paid by the UAE, receiving a six-figure annual retainer and substantial bonuses. The investigation was based on financial records, emails, WhatsApp messages and witness testimony.

Golan reportedly recruited a British strategist, identified as “Victor”, offering up to £100,000 to help locate Altikriti. He allegedly provided photographs of Altikriti’s home and car, maps, satellite images and details of his movements.

At one meeting, Golan allegedly discussed the possibility of physically eliminating Altikriti. A former US Navy SEAL accompanying him reportedly made a throat-slitting gesture. Victor later withdrew from the operation after becoming concerned it could involve an assassination.

Golan subsequently left Britain for Washington but reportedly told Victor that his team would continue operating in London. Altikriti was later visited twice by police officers who warned that his life could be at risk, although they did not reveal the source of the threat.

The alleged operation came amid the UAE’s campaign against the Muslim Brotherhood and organisations it associates with the movement. In 2014, Abu Dhabi designated the Cordoba Foundation, the Muslim Association of Britain and Islamic Relief as terrorist organisations.

A UK government review in 2015, however, found no evidence that the Muslim Brotherhood was involved in terrorist activity in Britain. The Cordoba Foundation has also denied having a formal association with the Brotherhood, while Altikriti has rejected allegations that he poses a security threat.

Golan had previously worked for the UAE in Yemen, where his company recruited Western military veterans for operations against people Abu Dhabi considered linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Golan later acknowledged a UAE-sanctioned targeted assassination programme in Yemen.

The London operation reportedly occurred while Britain and the UAE were strengthening political and economic ties. British officials told ITV they had no knowledge of any covert mercenary operation being planned in the UK.

The UAE did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.