A teenage boy has been charged with terror offences after allegedly fundraising cryptocurrency for Al Qaeda, a court has heard.
The 16-year-old from east London allegedly went online to offer expertise in digital currency and cyber security to the terrorist group, Westminster magistrates court heard on Wednesday.
He is now charged with terrorist fundraising, terror training, and possession of documents likely to be useful to terrorists.
The boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, sat alongside his parents for the court hearing.
He pleaded not guilty to five charges, and Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring sent the case to the Old Bailey for a further hearing next month.
Prosecutor Lee Ingham told the court the boy is accused of being “ideologically supportive of Islamic terrorist groups” including Al Qaeda and TTP, known as the Pakistani Taliban.
The boy allegedly “presented himself as someone who is expert in cryptocurrency and cyber security so he might be useful to the groups.”
It is alleged $1300 was raised in cryptocurrency.
The boy pleaded not guilty to entering into a fundraising arrangement, instructing or training in acts of terrorism, and three counts of possession of documents containing information likely to be useful to a person preparing acts of terrorism.
He was set free on bail with a list of conditions, including a night-time curfew, a ban on using social media, and he can only use a laptop for “educational purposes”.
He is also allowed to use his PlayStation, but not online in games with others or an a communication tool.
The boy is set to appear at the Old Bailey next on November 2.
