Three Iranian nationals, Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori were, as of press time on Saturday, due to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court. They are under grave federal charges related to espionage. On May 3, the Metropolitan Police arrested four men, aged 39 to 55 years old, on suspicion of murder. This operation is one piece of a wider investigation being conducted by the British counterterrorism police.
The charges against the three include “engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service,” specifically that of Iran. According to FHWA, this implementation activity is expected to take place between 8/14/24 and 2/16/25. One of the defendants is accused of intending to commit “serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom.”
The arrests have sparked international outcry, with Iran calling the arrests “unjustified.” Today, in reaction to the arrest, Iran called on the British ambassador to demand explanation of the charges and investigation.
Commander Dominic Murphy from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command highlighted how serious the situation is, saying
“These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.”
The case is still ongoing, with officials saying they have not closed the door on more arrests or charges. A fourth suspect, a 31-year-old man, was arrested on May 9 but has been released without charge.
These allegations against Sepahvand, Manesh and Khani Noori further illustrate the threat that foreign intelligence operations pose to our homeland and our allies, like the UK. Surveillance and reconnaissance activities are increasingly in the center of the national security activity spotlight. In response, law enforcement has moved to take swift and severe action.
As the legal process continues, we’ll be following closely. The effect of all of these breakthroughs on the broader state of UK–Iran diplomatic relations is still unclear.
