Neo-Nazi Killer Who Targeted Mosques in UK Dies in Prison
Pavlo Lapshyn, 37, was serving a minimum term of 40 years at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire. He was convicted in 2013 of murdering 82-year-old Mohammed Saleem and planting three explosive devices outside mosques in the West Midlands, according to Metro.
Lapshyn arrived in the UK for a temporary work placement just days before the killing. He stabbed Saleem as the father-of-seven walked home from prayers at Small Heath mosque in Birmingham. Saleem, who had 22 grandchildren, died after being repeatedly attacked.
Weeks later, Lapshyn placed bombs near places of worship in Walsall, Wolverhampton and Tipton. One device packed with nails scattered debris across a mosque car park but caused no casualties. The Old Bailey heard that a change in Friday prayer times narrowly averted mass injuries.
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Police linked him to the crimes after spotting his work clothes on CCTV. A search of his home uncovered more bomb materials and extremist literature.
Lapshyn later admitted he acted alone, saying he wanted to “increase racial conflict” and that he chose mosques because, in his words, “they are not white and I am white.”
He was sentenced to life with a 40-year minimum, including additional penalties under terrorism and explosives laws.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Pavlo Lapshyn died on 23 September 2025 at HMP Wakefield. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”
Source: Agencies
