Key facts
- Two men, Nematollah Shahsavani (40) and Alireza Farasati (22), have been charged with spying for Iran in the UK.
- The charges, under the National Security Act, relate to alleged surveillance of the Jewish community in London.
- They are accused of gathering information and conducting reconnaissance for Iran between July and August 2025.
- A third man, Vahid Aberi (39), was also charged with assisting Iran's intelligence service.
- Shahsavani and Farasati are scheduled to appear in court on March 19.
Two men have been charged in the UK with spying for Iran, with allegations including surveillance of the Jewish community in London. Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual Iranian and British national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, face charges under the National Security Act. They are accused of gathering information and conducting reconnaissance for Iran between July and August 2025. Separately, Vahid Aberi, 39, was charged with assisting Iran's intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. The arrests and charges are part of investigations into suspected activity linked to foreign intelligence services. Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing stated that while there is no identified direct threat to the public, the case exemplifies interventions against suspected foreign intelligence service activity. Shahsavani and Farasati are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 19.