New details have emerged in the high‑profile case involving attempts to harm two critics of the Pakistani establishment—former army officer and YouTuber Attack on Adil Raja and former Pakistani government adviser Shahzad Akbar—revealing that the alleged plot was coordinated through a social media chat group, according to law enforcement sources.
The case has drawn international attention after multiple violent incidents in the United Kingdom last winter, with intelligence indicating that suspects organized and shared details of their actions in an online group before and after the attacks.
Suspects, Allegations and Chat Group Coordination
Attack on adil raja
According to sources cited by Geo News, four individuals charged in connection with the case operated via a social media chat group where they planned and executed attacks against both Raja and Akbar.
The suspects named so far are:
- Louis Regan
- Karl Scott Blackbird
- Clark Anthony McAulay
- Doneto Brammer
Police investigations revealed that members of the group not only carried out the attacks but also recorded and shared video evidence of their actions within the same chat channel. Investigators told the court that the video content was distributed to “a very important number” in the group—a person whose identity remains unknown at this stage.
The suspects allegedly coordinated multiple incidents through the group on December 24 and December 31, 2025, and January 10, 2026.
What Happened in the Attacks on Adil Raja ?
December 24, 2025
- Around 8:00 am, Karl Scott Blackbird and Clark McAulay reportedly went to Adil Raja’s home in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.
- They knocked repeatedly on the front door while recording the event. Raja was not present at the time, so no direct assault occurred at the address.
At nearly the same time, another group allegedly targeted Shahzad Akbar’s home in Cambridge. A masked male subsequently assaulted Akbar outside his house, striking him multiple times. The attack was also recorded by the assailant and later shared online within the chat group.
December 31, 2025
- Two masked men approached Akbar’s property while he and his family were away. CCTV footage shows one suspect firing three shots at a ground‑floor window and the other attempting to commit arson by throwing a burning rag toward the residence. While damage occurred to the window, no injuries were reported during this second incident.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Three of the accused—Karl Blackbird, Clark McAulay, and Doneto Brammer—have appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London and remain in custody ahead of further hearings.
Authorities say the suspects have substantial criminal histories, with convictions for more than 40 offenses among them.
The UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing unit is leading the investigation, reflecting the serious and targeted nature of the plots. Separately, prosecutors in the UK have described the overall conspiracy as “sophisticated and planned,” citing the coordinated timing of attacks on both men’s homes.
Political and Public Context
Both Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja are well‑known figures within political discourse related to Pakistan:
- Shahzad Akbar is a former adviser to Pakistan’s government and has been a prominent critic of state practices abroad.
- Adil Raja is a former army officer turned YouTuber and commentator, often critical of Pakistani policies and military influence.
Their outspoken positions and political commentary have previously drawn controversy and legal scrutiny—including a proscription under Pakistan’s Anti‑Terrorism Act against Raja for alleged anti‑state narratives ahead of these attacks.
Investigation Status and Unidentified Members
As part of the ongoing probe, UK police arrested an additional suspect—referred to by investigators as “Suspect 1”—in Birmingham on January 23, 2026. He is believed to be the alleged ringleader of the group, though he has not yet been formally charged.
Law enforcement officials have recovered seized phones and “burner” mobile devices, which appear to show connections between the chat group’s members and help establish patterns of coordination.
Safety, Free Speech and Legal Interpretations
The case has sparked debate around the intersection of politically motivated violence, free expression, and security. Commentators note that violent conspiracies planned against critics highlight broader concerns about safety for political figures—even outside their home countries.
UK prosecutors are keeping an open mind about the suspects’ motivations, and further court appearances are expected to clarify whether the attacks were ideologically motivated, criminally opportunistic, or linked to wider networks.
Conclusion
New evidence showing that the attack on Adil Raja and Shahzad Akbar was planned via a social media chat group underscores the seriousness and premeditation behind the incidents. As the UK legal process unfolds, investigators continue to search for additional suspects and connections, leaving open questions about motive, organization, and accountability in politically charged attacks against critics abroad.
