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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Catherin Wylie

Greek man charged with assisting foreign intelligence service ‘linked to Iran’

The Metropolitan Police said the country to which the allegations relate is believed to be Iran - (PA Archive)

A Greek man has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service in the targeting of a UK-based journalist.

Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who lives in Munich, Germany, was charged on Friday with the offence under the National Security Act following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, Scotland Yard said.

The Metropolitan Police said the country to which the allegations relate is believed to be Iran and the allegations relate to the targeting of a UK-based journalist working for Iran International.

Aidinidis is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later.

He was arrested in the West Sussex area on 16 May by detectives from CTP London, supported by officers from CTP South East.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: “We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media.

“We continue to work closely with a number of organisations and individuals to provide them with advice and support around their safety and security, and this includes the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation.

“If anyone has concerns around their safety then they can contact their local police force and further advice and support can be provided.”

Police said there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.

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