Two men deny Iran-backed surveillance of Jewish and Israeli sites in London
Two men have denied allegations that they carried out surveillance of Jewish and Israeli sites across London on behalf of Iran's intelligence service. The case was heard at the Old Bailey, where prosecutors say the activity amounted to hostile reconnaissance under the National Security Act 2023. The alleged targets included the Israeli embassy, the Israeli consulate, a college and Britain's oldest synagogue.The defendants are Nematollah Shahsavani, 41, and Alireza Farasati, 22. Both entered not guilty pleas during a hearing on Friday. Shahsavani appeared by video link from HMP Pentonville, while Farasati appeared in the dock in person.Prosecutors allege the pair... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Royal Navy serviceman charged over alleged foreign-power espionage as case heads to court
A serving Royal Navy member has been charged in the United Kingdom with offences under the National Security Act after an investigation by counterterrorism police. Teddy Young, 24, is accused of obtaining protected information and preparing to transfer it for the benefit of a foreign power. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later on Thursday.Police said the alleged conduct took place between November 2024 and May 2025. In a statement, authorities said Young is accused of obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information with the intention that the conduct would benefit a foreign power, contrary to section... [Continue Reading]
Three Iranian men go on trial in London over alleged spying on journalists and attack plot
Three Iranian men have gone on trial in London accused of spying for Iran on UK-based journalists and preparing an attack on dissident media figures. The case is being heard at Woolwich Crown Court and centres on alleged surveillance of staff linked to Iran International, a London-based Persian-language channel critical of the government in Tehran. Prosecutors say the men's actions were part of conduct likely to assist Iran's foreign intelligence service.The defendants are Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57. They are charged under Britain's National Security Act with offences said to have taken... [Continue Reading]

