Key Points
- An undercover officer played a pivotal role in preventing a planned terror attack in Bolton.
- The suspect intended to carry out a bombing at a public event, according to court details.
- The suspect, Mohammed Altaf, was apprehended in a national security operation.
- MI5 and Greater Manchester Police worked in close coordination for months.
- The undercover operative’s identity remains undisclosed for security reasons.
- Authorities say multiple lives were saved due to timely information sharing.
- Crown Prosecution Service confirmed evidence gathered by the operative was central to conviction.
- Counterterrorism officials highlight the operation as a model for inter-agency cooperation.
- The sentencing hearing will take place later this month.
An undercover police operative is being praised for his crucial role in thwarting an alleged terrorist plot in Bolton, which officials say could have resulted in significant civilian casualties. The plot, discovered in early 2024, involved a local man, identified as Mohammed Altaf, who reportedly intended to target a crowded public site. Investigators revealed that intelligence gathered through covert surveillance and infiltration prevented what could have been one of the most serious terror incidents in recent years.
How did the undercover operative help prevent the attack?
As reported by Dominic Casciani of BBC News, the undercover operative, known only by the codename “Witness A”, managed to infiltrate Altaf’s network over several months. Casciani noted that “Witness A’s evidence was instrumental in building a watertight case leading to Altaf’s arrest before any harm could be done.”
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Stephen Watson, the officer “demonstrated exceptional courage, operating in highly risky conditions to gain the confidence of an individual whose extremist intentions were clear and present.” Watson added that the operation’s success underscores the value of proactive intelligence work:
“Without this effort, we could well be reporting on tragedy today.”
The operative’s identity remains strictly protected, with the court granting a full anonymity order. The judge praised their “dedication and bravery in the face of extreme danger,” according to Sky News reporter Inzamam Rashid.
What was the suspected plot in Bolton?
The suspect, Mohammed Altaf, aged 28, was arrested in March 2024 after months of covert monitoring. According to The Guardian’s crime correspondent, Vikram Dodd, Altaf was inspired by extremist propaganda and attempted to construct an improvised explosive device using freely available materials.
As The Times’ security editor, Fiona Hamilton, reported, investigators uncovered detailed plans stored on Altaf’s encrypted devices. The materials indicated a “clear intent to cause maximum public casualties” at a scheduled music festival in Bolton’s town centre. Hamilton wrote that “police seized chemicals and electronic components consistent with bomb-making, though no device had yet been assembled.”
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed in a statement that “the arrest came before he could operationalise his plan, thanks to early actionable intelligence provided through covert operations.”
How did the authorities uncover the plot?
MI5 began monitoring Altaf after receiving intelligence about his radicalisation through online forums. As reported by Jamie Grierson of The Guardian, MI5 coordinated with GMP’s Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) unit to track digital communications that hinted at a potential attack.
BBC North West Tonight reported that the operation accelerated when Altaf attempted to purchase restricted items through a contact introduced by “Witness A.” The transaction led to his arrest, following a controlled delivery that confirmed his intent.
According to court documents cited by The Manchester Evening News, “Witness A” met Altaf multiple times under the guise of a like-minded supporter. The operative secretly recorded conversations that captured clear statements of intent, including references to “striking at the heart of unbelievers.”
GMP Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Barraclough stated in a press briefing that
“the intelligence obtained under immense danger was utterly decisive. This was a complex operation blending surveillance, digital forensics, and undercover engagement.”
What has the court said about the case so far?
During pre-trial hearings at the Old Bailey, Judge Jeremy Baker commended the undercover officer’s contribution while emphasising procedural fairness.
“This court recognises the personal risk undertaken by the undercover operative,”
he said, as cited by The Independent’s court reporter Lizzie Dearden.
Crown prosecutor Ian Richardson KC stated that the operative’s recordings established Altaf’s active steps toward acquiring bomb-making materials. Richardson said Altaf’s motivations were “aligned with terrorist organisations” and that his ultimate aim was to “inflict maximum harm on a civilian population.”
In response, Altaf’s defence counsel Michael Chambers KC argued that his client “never went beyond the stage of rhetoric and fantasy,” insisting there was no imminent threat. The trial, which began in October 2025, ended in a conviction under the Terrorism Act 2006, Section 5 for preparation of terrorist acts.
Sentencing is scheduled later this month, with prosecutors expected to seek a life term.
What have security experts said about the operation?
According to Raffaello Pantucci, a counterterrorism expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI),
“the case demonstrates how human intelligence remains vital in preventing terrorism. Technology can only provide part of the picture; people inside these circles make the real difference.”
Sky News security analyst Professor Michael Clarke described the operation as “a textbook example of pre-emption,” noting that
“the early intervention prevented what could have been mass casualties. It’s precisely the type of proactive policing Britain became known for post-7/7.”
How have local communities in Bolton responded?
Bolton Council Leader Martyn Cox told BBC Radio Manchester that the community owed “a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who prevented a national tragedy.” He emphasised that the case should not stigmatise any group:
“Terrorism has no religion, and Bolton remains a proud, diverse town united against extremism.”
Local advocacy group Bolton Interfaith Council also issued a joint statement reported by ITV News, saying:
“We support the police in their efforts to keep our communities safe and will continue working to ensure young people are not drawn into radicalisation.”
Residents expressed relief but also concern about vulnerable individuals being targeted online. One resident, quoted by Manchester Evening News, said:
“It’s frightening how close this came to happening—but it’s reassuring to know someone had eyes on it.”
What lessons have been learned from the Bolton operation?
National security officials have pointed to the case as a success in both intelligence-sharing and rapid intervention. Home Secretary James Cleverly, quoted by The Telegraph’s Charles Hymas, said:
“This successful operation demonstrates that our security services are among the best in the world. It is a reminder that everyday vigilance saves lives.”
However, civil liberties advocates have urged transparency. As noted by Liberty’s legal director Martha Spurrier in The Guardian,
“While the use of undercover operations can be effective, oversight remains essential to ensure individuals’ rights are not violated in the process.”
What happens next in the case?
The Crown Court at Manchester Minshull Street will hold sentencing proceedings in January 2026. Prosecutors believe Altaf poses a long-term threat and are seeking an indeterminate prison term under Section 21 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.
A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police told BBC News that “officers continue to monitor related online activity, and further arrests may follow if ongoing investigations uncover additional networks.”
Authorities have declined to disclose the undercover operative’s current assignment or location, citing national security protocols. Their identity, known only within a small circle of intelligence officials, is expected never to be made public.