Terrorist Convicted of Bomb Plot Found Working at Asda
A convicted terrorist who was involved in a bomb plot targeting thousands of people in the UK and US has been discovered working at Asda after being released from prison early. Qaisar Shaffi, who was sentenced to 15 years in 2007 for conspiracy to murder, had a role in planning attacks on buildings and transportation networks in both countries. Shaffi’s connection to the terror plot came just months before the 9/11 attacks led by Osama bin Laden.
Shaffi, now 45, reportedly left prison halfway through his sentence and began working at Asda in 2015 while still on parole. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he progressed through the ranks to become an operations manager at a Watford superstore. His involvement in terrorism came to light during an employment tribunal, where his past was mentioned as part of a discussion on another colleague’s dismissal.
The revelation has raised concerns about the early release of dangerous prisoners, especially after incidents like the London Bridge attack in 2019, where a released convict committed a terror-related crime. Shaffi’s employment at Asda and the fact that he wasn’t immediately dismissed has sparked discussions about the screening process for potential employees with criminal backgrounds.
Asda’s website currently states that the company generally doesn’t ask job applicants to disclose unspent convictions for most positions. However, certain roles may require a background check to determine the candidate’s suitability. While Shaffi’s case occurred before the change in policies regarding early prisoner release, the incident has sparked questions about the need for more stringent screening measures for individuals with past criminal convictions.
Former Met Police detective Peter Bleksley expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing that customers would likely be shocked to learn about a convicted terrorist working at a retail store. Experts and politicians have stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of the public and taking extra precautions when reintegrating individuals with a history of terrorism back into society.
Asda declined to comment on the specific case, leaving questions about the company’s hiring practices unanswered.