Three Iranian men arrested by anti-terrorism police in London are accused of surveillance in Tehran
Three Iranian men arrested by counter-terrorism police in London are accused of espionage for Tehran.
The three are allegedly helping the intelligence services of Middle Eastern countries between August 14, 2024 and February 2025.
Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, of Kensal Rise, and Farhad Javadi Manesh, 55, of Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori of Ealing, were arrested on May 3 under the National Security Act.
Sepahvand is accused of surveillance, reconnaissance and open source research with the aim of causing serious violence against someone in the UK.
Manish and Norry were charged with surveillance and reconnaissance with the aim of others causing serious violence against someone in the UK.
Dominic Murphy, commander of the Metropolitan Counter-Terrorism Command, said: “These allegations are very serious under the National Security Act, and these allegations follow a very complex and rapid investigation.
Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, of Kensal Rise, and Shapoor Kapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, of Ealing, 55, were arrested on May 3 under the National Security Act. Picture: File Photo
“Detectives have been working around the clock since the men were arrested two weeks ago, and we have worked closely with our colleagues at CPS to achieve this. We have been in contact with individuals who are directly affected and we continue to support them.
“Since these people are being prosecuted, I urge people not to speculate on the case so that criminal justice processes can achieve their route.”
The three will appear in court today.
The fourth 31-year-old man was also arrested last Friday but was released on May 15.
Iran is the first foreign power listed at the highest level of the Foreign Impact Registration Program (FIR) earlier this year, aiming to protect the UK from vicious foreign influences.
This means that the regime directs anyone who conducts activities in the UK must announce the event or face five years in prison once the program takes effect in July.
In October last year, MI5 boss Ken McCallum said that since 2022, authorities have stopped 20 country-backed plots in the UK.
