A network of Russia-linked Telegram channels is encouraging UK residents to attack mosques and Muslims in exchange for cryptocurrency, The Guardian reports, citing data shared with UK authorities.
The hate campaign is linked to xenophobic graffiti found on mosques and schools in London earlier this month. These channels have also distributed bomb-making manuals and 3D-printed weapon designs, while posters with QR codes leading to the groups have appeared in UK streets.
Investigators identified Russian ties through Telegram administrators using Russian-language interfaces and Moscow time zones. Some users spreading extremist content in British chat groups were also active in pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukraine forums.
Members of these channels openly discuss mass Quran burnings and share videos of arson, acid attacks, and bomb tests. After graffiti incidents, the groups offered cryptocurrency rewards for further vandalism and attacks, with one post claiming: “People who create the most beautiful graffiti on mosques will receive a gift from our movement. 100£ in any cryptocurrency.”
UK officials fear Russia is stoking ethnic and religious tensions to destabilize Britain and other Western countries. Reports indicate that Islamophobic attacks in the UK have surged by 73% in 2024, with authorities linking the Telegram campaign to broader Russian efforts to exploit societal divisions.
Labour MP Stella Creasy called the findings “credible” and those that “need to be taken seriously,” while MP Kelvin Bailey warned that the campaign aligns with Russia’s longstanding strategy of fueling far-right extremism to undermine democracy.
The UK Home Office pledged action, citing ongoing efforts to implement the Online Safety Act, which will force social media platforms to remove illegal content, including disinformation.
Related:
- Ukraine hit strategic Russian ammo depot in overnight attack, likely using ATACMS (video)
- Russia’s new thermobaric warheads in Shaheds prompt urgent safety measures in Ukraine
- Drone strikes Kadyrov’s forces barracks in Grozny overnight (video)
- Air defense forces shot down 58 of 132 Russian drones
