Manchester cafe owner says police tried to recruit him to spy on Palestine Action
Shams Sadiq, a cafe owner in Manchester, claims police attempted to recruit him as an informant on the group Palestine Action. He alleges that officers offered him financial benefits and the possibility of leniency regarding certain offenses in exchange for his cooperation. Sadiq has decided to go public about the incident, expressing concerns for his safety and the implications of being under investigation.
- ▪Shams Sadiq claims police offered him financial inducements to inform on Palestine Action.
- ▪The officers suggested they could turn a blind eye to certain low-level offenses in exchange for his help.
- ▪Sadiq has been vocal about his support for Palestine and has faced community backlash since his arrest.
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Shams Sadiq: ‘They said to me: “We need your help. Look, there’s benefits in helping us”.’ Photograph: Joel Goodman/The GuardianView image in fullscreenShams Sadiq: ‘They said to me: “We need your help. Look, there’s benefits in helping us”.’ Photograph: Joel Goodman/The GuardianPalestine ActionManchester cafe owner says police tried to recruit him to spy on Palestine ActionExclusive: Shams Sadiq says officers offered financial inducements and to turn a ‘blind eye’ to certain offencesHaroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondentSat 30 May 2026 03.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 30 May 2026 03.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA cafe owner claims police offered him financial benefits and to turn a “blind eye” to certain low-level offences if he informed on Palestine Action.Shams (his…
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