UK's Burnham urged to address alleged UAE plot against British academic

An academic based in Britain has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, requesting an explanation regarding allegations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) funded and executed a covert operation aimed at surveilling and potentially killing him in London. The writer of the letter, Anas Altikriti, is the chief executive of the London-based Cordoba Foundation think tank.

According to ITV News, a report uncovered that the UAE paid millions of dollars to a mercenary, Abraham Golan, to target Altikriti. Golan, a dual Hungarian-Israeli citizen, was the owner of the private security company Spear Operations Group. He allegedly traveled to Britain in December 2016 to carry out the alleged operation against Altikriti.

Financial records seen by ITV revealed that Golan, who lived in the US, was being paid a six-figure annual retainer by the UAE, along with substantial bonuses, including a $1 million payment just weeks before his trip to London for an operation in Yemen. ITV's investigation, which included witness testimony, emails, WhatsApp messages, and financial records, concluded that Golan collaborated with a former US special forces operative to locate and monitor Altikriti.

In a letter to Burnham, Altikriti expressed concern over the UK's deepening ties with the UAE and asked the prime minister to explain how these ties could coexist with evidence showing UAE funding for an operation to kill him in London. He also offered to meet with Burnham or the relevant minister to discuss the matter directly.

According to ITV, Golan instructed the British strategist, referred to as "Victor," that the UAE considered Altikriti and the Cordoba Foundation to be aligned with groups deemed terrorist organizations by Abu Dhabi. Golan contacted Victor in November 2016, requesting information about Altikriti and the Cordoba Foundation. Victor offered Golan £50,000 ($68,000) initially, which increased to £100,000 ($136,000).

During their meetings, Golan allegedly shared photographs of Altikriti's home and car, maps, satellite images, and details of his movements between home and work. Golan even discussed the possibility of physically eliminating Altikriti, with his associate reportedly making a gesture across his throat when asked about the potential consequences of the operation.

Victor eventually withdrew from the operation, stating that he became increasingly worried about the nature of the plan. Altikriti was later visited twice at his London home by police officers who warned him of potential threats to his life without disclosing the source or nature of the threat. Altikriti questioned why he was not provided with more information about the threat when it could have been relevant at the time.