Cardiff teen in London court on terror charges
Luca Benincasa (19) from Whitchurch was arrested on Tuesday
Last updated 3rd Feb 2022
A Cardiff teenager’s due to appear in court in London on terrorism charges.
Officers from the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) arrested a 19-year-old man from Cardiff on Tuesday.
Luca Benincasa, who is 19 and from the Whitchurch area of the city, has been charged with membership of a proscribed organisation and four offences contrary to the Terrorism Act, including collection of information likely to be of use to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
He will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court today.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Pope of WECTU said there was no risk to the public during the operation:
“At no point was there any danger to the public.
“We work in close partnership with the public to ensure that we can intervene as early as possible to PREVENT those vulnerable to radicalisation.
“Cardiff is a safe, vibrant and engaging city. I urge anyone with concerns about individuals to contact the Anti-Terror Hotline or Crimestoppers in complete confidence. “