Key facts
- A mercenary allegedly hired by the UAE conducted surveillance on British activist Anas al-Tikriti in London.
- Abraham Golan, running Spear Operations Group, was reportedly paid millions by the UAE for the operation.
- Golan allegedly discussed the potential assassination of al-Tikriti with an associate.
- The operation followed similar work by Golan's company in Yemen for the UAE.
- The UAE has long accused the Muslim Brotherhood of threatening its political system.
An investigation by ITV News has revealed allegations that a mercenary, Abraham Golan, was hired and paid millions of dollars by the United Arab Emirates to conduct surveillance on a British activist and academic, Anas al-Tikriti, in London. Golan, who ran the private security company Spear Operations Group, reportedly travelled to the UK in December 2016 with the intention of monitoring al-Tikriti, the chief executive of the Cordoba Foundation think tank.
Financial records seen by ITV indicated that Golan received a six-figure annual retainer and substantial bonuses from the UAE. He allegedly collaborated with a former US special forces operative to track al-Tikriti, providing detailed surveillance information including photographs of his home and car, maps, and movement logs. Golan reportedly offered a British strategist, identified as 'Victor', up to £100,000 to assist in locating al-Tikriti.
During their interactions, Golan allegedly discussed the possibility of assassinating al-Tikriti, with an associate reportedly making a throat-slitting gesture when questioned about potential outcomes. Victor eventually withdrew from the operation due to concerns about a potential assassination plot. Al-Tikriti later confirmed that police had visited him twice, warning him of a potential threat to his life, though they did not disclose the source.
The alleged operation occurred amidst a long-standing dispute between the UAE and the UK concerning the Muslim Brotherhood. The UAE has accused the group of threatening its political system and has sought to suppress its influence. In 2014, Abu Dhabi designated the Cordoba Foundation as a terrorist organization, a designation not supported by a UK government review in 2015. The Cordoba Foundation and al-Tikriti have denied formal ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
ITV News also reported that Golan's alleged operation in London followed his work for the UAE in Yemen, where his company assembled a team to target individuals linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Golan himself acknowledged a "targeted assassination" program in Yemen, stating it was "sanctioned" by the UAE. A former member of his team described themselves as "Emirati soldiers."