A man has been charged with targeting five Islamic buildings in east London with offensive graffiti, causing significant distress within Muslim communities, according to the Evening Standard. Illia Bilyk, 21, faces five counts of racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage for incidents that occurred on January 23 and January 25, 2026.
Chief Superintendent Rhona Hunt of the Metropolitan Police stated, "We recognise that these incidents caused significant distress within Muslim communities across east London last year." The targeted venues included the Stratford Islamic Association on Brydges Road, Al-Birr Mosque on Church Road, Leyton Jamia Masjid on High Road, Noor Ul Islam Primary School on Dawlish Road, and the Islamic Shariah Council on Francis Road.
In response to the incidents, Chief Superintendent Hunt encouraged anyone with concerns or who has experienced or witnessed anti-Muslim hate crime to contact the police and report it. The investigation into the graffiti incidents is ongoing, and the police continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the case.
Stratford Islamic Association was one of the venues targeted, with graffiti appearing on its walls. The mosque on Church Road and the primary school on Dawlish Road were also defaced, causing distress among the local community. Additionally, the Islamic Shariah Council on Francis Road and Leyton Jamia Masjid on High Road were among the buildings affected by the graffiti.
The police have charged Illia Bilyk with five counts of racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage, reflecting the severity of the incidents. The Metropolitan Police have emphasized the importance of reporting hate crimes to ensure the safety and security of all communities in east London.