Three British individuals have refuted allegations of planning a trip to Syria to join the Islamic State terror group in a group chat named “Lads holiday.” Chafik Aziz, 18, Muhammed Bham, 19, and Oliver Rea, 24, appeared in court facing charges related to engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts. The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges, which pertain to activities occurring between March and November 2025.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly drafted farewell letters to their families, conducted research, booked flights to Turkey, obtained or renewed passports, sold personal belongings, and resigned from their jobs. The court heard that the men researched IS uniforms and camouflage, routes to IS-controlled areas, and exchanged tips on avoiding detection and arrest.
Additionally, they are accused of engaging in group chats on Signal under the names “AirBNB Buddies” and “Lads Holiday,” where they purportedly encouraged each other to join Islamic State. The charges include researching necessary equipment, kit, and weapons for the trip, as well as obtaining new passports and funds.
Oliver Rea admitted to soliciting support for IS on TikTok and expressing support for Al Qaida and IS on the platform. He denied charges of disseminating terrorist materials on TikTok. The defendants entered their pleas at the Old Bailey, with Judge Mark Lucraft KC presiding. Aziz was present in court, while Rea appeared via videolink from Belmarsh prison, and Bham was at Doncaster jail. A further hearing is scheduled for May 15, leading up to their trial at the Old Bailey starting on November 30.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Aziz waved and blew a kiss to his co-defendants. Aziz, residing in Wallington, Bham from Dewsbury, and Rea from Arnold, Nottinghamshire, were remanded into custody.
