Haneef linked to MI5 probe

By Renee Viellaris, Ian McPhedran and Margaret Wenham

FREED terror suspect Mohamed Haneef was regularly in contact with Islamic radicals under surveillance by Britain’s top spy agency MI5.

Highly classified intelligence reveals the former Gold Coast doctor - still considered a person of interest by British and Australian investigators - made contact using medical chat rooms, international phone cards and phone boxes.

The intelligence suggests this was to avoid detection and suspicion.

The leaked dossier, part of the information that formed a key plank in Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews’ decision to revoke Dr Haneef’s visa, alleges the Indian-born doctor spoke to a number of suspects about a “project” and a “purpose” before the failed UK bombings.

However, it’s understood the intelligence does not contain information about a terrorist attack in Australia and only puts Dr Haneef as being on the outer edge of a large group of like-minded people.

But it comes as Indian police intelligence alleged Dr Haneef had links to Al-Qaeda.

He remains under surveillance in India by at least two law enforcement agencies.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty yesterday said Dr Haneef could face further charges.

“It’s still potentially possible that a brief of evidence will be submitted against Dr Haneef,” he said.

And in a significant development yesterday, senior Government sources confirmed that Dr Haneef’s former Gold Coast colleague and Liverpool flatmate, Dr Mohammed Asif Ali, was being investigated over his knowledge of terrorist activities.

Dr Ali, stood down from Queensland Health on Friday for lying about his employment history in India, owned two rubber stamps used to forge medical testimonials.

Dr Ali admitted to the Medical Board of Queensland that he made up about an extra 12 months of experience but it was because he had taken time off to take care of a family problem.

But sources said the AFP were suspicious of his activities in that time.

“(Dr Ali) is a person of interest to us,” Mr Keelty said yesterday.

Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews revealed on Tuesday parts of information relating to Dr Haneef to explain why he revoked his visa.

However, he said he would not reveal “part B” because of the ongoing AFP investigation.

The Courier-Mail reports that the second document contains names of suspects and detail of involvement in planned attacks.

Dr Haneef’s lawyer Peter Russo said there were plans for Dr Haneef to address the allegations contained in the so-called protected information released by Mr Andrews.

“He will be coming out with a general statement about the allegations against him,” he said.

Mr Russo also denied reports that a large party had been thrown for him in India.

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