British Police Charge Three Iranian Nationals with Espionage Offenses

British police have charged three Iranian men with espionage after a counterterrorism investigation revealed their alleged support for Iranian intelligence activities in the UK. Their charges include conducting surveillance and reconnaissance aimed at violence. They remain in custody and are set to appear in court soon.

In a significant development, British police have charged three Iranian nationals with espionage-related offenses following a thorough investigation by counterterrorism detectives. The trio, identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, are accused of activities aimed at assisting Iran’s foreign intelligence service between mid-August 2024 and mid-February 2025.

According to the Metropolitan Police, these men are residents of London and have remained in custody since their arrests on May 3. They are scheduled to face a court hearing later on Saturday. Notably, Sepahvand faces additional allegations of conducting surveillance and reconnaissance linked to an intention to inflict serious violence within the United Kingdom. His co-defendants are also implicated in similar charges, though specifics regarding the intended targets have not been disclosed.

Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, remarked that these charges are extremely serious and reflect the gravity of the situation. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the heightened focus on countering foreign intelligence activities on British soil.

In a related note, it was mentioned that a fourth individual, arrested during the same investigation, has been released without any charges filed against him. Authorities emphasize the need to remain vigilant amid growing concerns regarding espionage and its implications for national security.

In conclusion, the charges against the three Iranian men underscore a serious situation concerning espionage activities related to Iran. Their upcoming court appearance marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation, which has significant implications for national security. The police’s swift action reflects their commitment to counterterrorism efforts amidst rising tensions.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com