Cardiff teenager charged with terror-related offences
Luca Benincasa, 19, from Whitchurch, was arrested on Tuesday and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenager from Cardiff has been charged with offences under the Terrorism Act.
Officers from the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (Wectu) arrested Luca Benincasa, 19, from Whitchurch, on Tuesday.
South Wales Police has said he is charged with several offences including membership of a proscribed organisation and collection of information likely to be of use to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Pope of Wectu said: “At no point was there any danger to the public.
“We work in close partnership with the public to ensure that we can intervene as early as possible to prevent those vulnerable to radicalisation.
“Cardiff is a safe, vibrant and engaging city.
“I urge anyone with concerns about individuals to contact the anti-terror hotline or Crimestoppers in complete confidence.”
Benincasa will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.