The United Kingdom’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has withdrawn the National Security Act and foreign power elements from the criminal case involving former accountability adviser Shahzad Akbar and retired military officer and YouTuber Adil Raja. The move significantly narrows the scope of the prosecution while the criminal proceedings against the accused continue.
The case relates to a series of coordinated attacks carried out in late December 2025 and early January 2026 at the homes of Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja in Oxford and Chesham.
During a hearing at London’s Old Bailey, prosecutors informed the court they would no longer rely on the National Security Act 2023 or any allegation that the attacks were linked to a foreign power. Prosecutors instead argued that the accused were allegedly “hired thugs” involved in an orchestrated conspiracy, suggesting other individuals may have planned the attacks.
When questioned by the judge, the prosecution indicated the foreign power allegation had been dropped because there was no evidence the defendants knew they were acting on behalf of any foreign state. As a result, jurors will not be asked to determine whether the alleged crimes were committed for the benefit of or under the direction of a foreign government.
Six of the eight defendants appeared before the court and pleaded not guilty. Another defendant applied to have the case dismissed, while one refused to attend the hearing. The accused face charges including conspiracy to assault, causing actual bodily harm, attempted arson, and illegal firearm possession.
According to investigators, Shahzad Akbar was assaulted at his home after a masked attacker allegedly asked for him by name before repeatedly punching him, leaving him with serious facial injuries, including a broken nose. Around the same period, unknown suspects attempted to force entry into Adil Raja’s residence while he was away. Days later, another attempt was allegedly made to set fire to Akbar’s property.
Because of the targeted nature of the attacks, the investigation remains under Counter Terrorism Policing. However, authorities have stated they have not identified who allegedly ordered or organised the attacks. The accused remain in custody, with trials scheduled to begin in 2027.
