Three Iranian nationals have been charged with serious offences under the UK’s National Security Act following a significant counter-terrorism investigation, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday.
The men — Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of St John’s Wood; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, of Kensal Rise; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, of Ealing — have been remanded in custody and are set to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
According to police, the trio were arrested and detained on May 3 and now face charges of engaging in conduct likely to assist the Iranian foreign intelligence service between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025.
In addition, Mr Sepahvand faces further charges for allegedly carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research in preparation for acts of serious violence against a person within the UK. His two co-defendants, Mr Manesh and Mr Noori, are also accused of similar surveillance and reconnaissance activities, with the alleged intent that serious acts of violence would be carried out by others.
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command described the charges as “extremely serious” and said they followed a “very complex and fast-moving investigation.”
“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock,” Murphy said in a statement. “We have worked closely with colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service to reach this point.”
Murphy also confirmed that those directly affected by the alleged plot had been contacted and were being provided with support.
“As these individuals have now been charged, I would urge the public and media not to speculate on the case, to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice process,” he added.
As part of the wider investigation, a fourth man, aged 31, was arrested on May 9 under the National Security Act 2023. However, he was released without charge on Thursday.
The arrests come amid heightened concern over alleged foreign interference and espionage activities in the UK, particularly involving hostile state actors. This case marks one of the first major uses of the National Security Act, which came into force in 2023 and was designed to address evolving threats to UK national security, including those involving foreign intelligence operations.
