The two men arrested and charged with plotting terrorist acts at New York’s JFK Airport have been found guilty.

Both men, Russel Defreitas and Abdul Kadir were charged with planning to blow up oil tankers on the airport grounds as was revealed in 2007 by Mr Kadir’s detailed plans using his previously learned engineering skills. According to prosecutors, the two men had planned to catalyse a huge explosion by using the fuel depot as an ignition source, which are linked to underground pipelines.

Formerly a member of Guyana’s parliament, Mr Kadir was prosecuted and found guilty for financing the plot, while Mr Defreitas was a co-conspirator having formerly worked as a cargo handler at the airport. According to the defence, however, the two men were manipulated by a police informant.

Mildred Whalen, Mr Defreitas’ defence attorney, argued that the evidence made it clear that the terrorist act would never have been committed by the two men alone and that neither partner had acted on his own. She added that the outcome of the verdict was deeply disappointing.

However, the prosecution argued that the alleged conspirators had taken concrete steps to implement the plans and make them a reality. According to assistant US Attorney Zainab Ahmad during his closing arguments, it was evident that a massive explosion was being planned.

Prosecutors evidenced video shot by Mr Defreitas depicting the airport, airport security and known escape routes. They also alleged that Mr Kadir had stressed the economic devastation of the attack on the city. Also brought into evidence by the prosecution were intercepted conversations by Mr Kadir, an engineer by profession. In the conversations Mr Kadir can be heard detailing the workings of the explosions and the effect.