London’s Metropolitan Police have charged a 21-year-old man in connection with a series of alleged graffiti attacks targeting Muslim organisations and venues in east London. The incidents, which took place in January 2025, involved offensive graffiti being sprayed on five buildings. The suspect is due to appear in court on Thursday.
Man Faces Five Charges Over Muslim Venue Attacks
Illia Bilyk, 21, has been charged with five counts of racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The charges follow an investigation by detectives from the force’s North East Command Unit into a series of incidents involving Muslim community locations in London.
Police said the alleged offences relate to offensive graffiti sprayed on five buildings in January 2025. The case involves damage to properties associated with Muslim organisations and venues.
Incidents Reported Across East London
The alleged attacks took place at locations in Stratford and Leyton, including Muslim community and religious sites.
The incidents reported by police include:
- Stratford Islamic Association on Brydges Road, Stratford.
- Al-Birr Mosque on Church Road, Leyton.
- Leyton Jamia Masjid on High Road, Leyton.
The three locations were reportedly targeted on January 23, 2025. Police said the investigation covers five separate locations in total.
The graffiti incidents have led to charges under offences involving both racial and religious aggravation.
Suspect Due in Court
Bilyk is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday following the charges, police said.
The case remains a criminal allegation, and the charges have not been proven in court. Further proceedings are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged damage to the Muslim venues.
The investigation highlights the work of police detectives in addressing incidents involving religiously targeted property damage in London.
