Man charged over graffiti attacks on east London Muslim venues
Illia Bilyk faces five counts of racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage following incidents in January 2025.
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Illia Bilyk, aged 21, has been charged with five offences of racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage. The charges follow an investigation into graffiti incidents that targeted Muslim community buildings in east London. The Met Police's North East Command Unit led the inquiry.
Targeted Venues and Dates
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The alleged criminal damage occurred on two dates in January 2025. On January 23, graffiti was sprayed on the Stratford Islamic Association on Brydges Road, the Al-Birr Mosque on Church Road, and Leyton Jamia Masjid on High Road. Two days later, on January 25, similar incidents took place at Noor Ul Islam Primary School on Dawlish Road and the Islamic Shariah Council on Francis Road.
Police Response and Community Impact
Chief Superintendent Rhona Hunt, who oversees policing in the affected area, acknowledged the distress caused by the incidents. "We recognise that these incidents caused significant distress within Muslim communities across east London last year and that they continue to cause concern," Chief Superintendent Hunt stated. She added, "Anti-Muslim hate crime and Islamophobia have absolutely no place in London. We are committed to tackling hate crime while supporting and reassuring our communities."
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The Metropolitan Police encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed anti-Muslim hate crime to report it to the authorities. Mr Bilyk, of Field Road, E7, is due to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Thursday, September 17.
Questions this report answers
+What charges does Illia Bilyk face?
Illia Bilyk faces five charges of racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage. These relate to graffiti incidents that allegedly targeted Muslim venues in east London.
+Which venues were targeted?
The venues targeted were Stratford Islamic Association, Al-Birr Mosque, Leyton Jamia Masjid, Noor Ul Islam Primary School, and Islamic Shariah Council. These incidents occurred in January 2025.
+When and where will Illia Bilyk appear in court?
Illia Bilyk is due to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Thursday, September 17. The court is located in London.
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