Shamima Begum may be plotting an escape from her Syrian detention camp and a return to Britain with the help of people smugglers, according to text messages allegedly sent from inside the facility.
Documentary maker Andrew Drury, 60, who has interviewed Begum six times at al-Roj camp, claims he received messages in recent weeks outlining an alleged escape plan, the Daily Express has revealed.
The texts were reportedly sent by Hoda Muthana, an American former Isis member and close associate of Begum, who has also been stripped of her citizenship.
In the messages, Muthana allegedly used coded language to request money - referring to US dollars as “gummies” and British pounds as “mints” - to pay traffickers to extract both women from the camp.
According to the exchanges, the pair intend to cross into Turkey and present themselves at their respective embassies, believing this would force authorities to act.
Muthana allegedly wrote that British officials would “eventually” accept Begum back “once Turkey deports her which is what they do".
The messages also suggest discussions with media organisations, with Muthana claiming Begum had commitments for exclusive interviews outside the camp and upon any return to Britain.
When asked which outlets were involved, she allegedly said no firm deals had been agreed but added Begum “is certain on who not to” work with and “has people in mind who she thinks will do a fair story".
Shamima Begum may be plotting an escape from her Syrian detention camp and a return to Britain
|GETTY
Mr Drury said he refused to send any money to the camp and alerted his local MP and MI5.
“I’m not going to give a terrorist, or somebody I consider as a terrorist, money,” he said, adding that Begum and Muthana “seem to be trying to manipulate people financially to help them".
He also raised concerns about Begum attempting to reach Britain via small boat across the Channel.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel demanded that Sir Keir Starmer confirm Begum “will not be allowed to return under any circumstances".
SHAMIMA BEGUM - READ THE LATEST:
Shamima Begum is currently being held at al-Roj camp in Syria
|GETTY
“Our national security depends on keeping people like Begum out of our country,” she said.
According to the Daily Express, Begum has already received funds from unidentified backers, including $162 (£120) at the end of January.
Mobile phones are banned inside al-Roj, though camp authorities acknowledge devices are frequently smuggled in.
Hikmia Ibrahimm, who manages the facility, said many foreign detainees are seeking funds to escape and some have contacted extremist networks outside.
Mr Drury has raised concerns about Begum attempting to reach Britain via small boat across the Channel
| PAShe added: “Unfortunately, the majority of the residents of Roj camp still hold the same Isis mentality.”
The camp's approximately 2,000 residents gained renewed optimism following last month's seizure of al-Hol, the largest Isis detention facility, by forces loyal to Damascus.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Protecting our national security is the first priority for the UK Government.
"That is why we are continuing to work with the Syrian and Iraqi Governments, as well as other partners, to protect our shared security."
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