Police operation protected undercover agent after foiled terror plot

An undercover operative gathered evidence on a planned attack and a large Greater Manchester Police operation protected the operative and led to coordinated arrests and later convictions.

An undercover operative recorded meetings with suspects who were later convicted of preparing a terrorist attack in Manchester. For several months police maintained a protective surveillance operation while gathering evidence. That operation included armed officers and multiple surveillance teams designed to reduce risk to the operative and the public. The suspects were arrested in coordinated actions and later tried and sentenced. What is known: - The undercover operative, named in court as Farouk, met repeatedly with the main suspect over several months while interactions were recorded by surveillance teams. - Greater Manchester Police ran an operation called Operation Catogenic, deploying armed officers and several surveillance teams to protect the operative and monitor the suspects. - Arrests took place in coordinated actions on May 8, 2024, and convictions followed at Preston Crown Court; two defendants received life sentences and a third received a six-year sentence. - Police officials said the protective measures removed the immediate risk and emphasised careful planning and risk assessment during the investigation. Summary: Officials say the operation prevented the planned attack and those involved have been convicted and sentenced. Undetermined at this time.