Three men have been charged with offences under the UK’s new National Security Act following a major counter-terror investigation into alleged activities linked to Iran.
The Iranian nationals — Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of St John’s Wood; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, of Kensal Rise; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, of Ealing — were arrested in London on Saturday, 3 May under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023.
Following a fast-paced investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against all three men on Friday, 16 May.
They have each been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service — specifically Iran — between August 2024 and February 2025, in violation of Section 3 of the National Security Act.
Sepahvand faces a further charge of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research during that same period, with the alleged intention of committing acts of serious violence against a person in the UK. This is contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the Act.
Manesh and Noori are also accused of engaging in surveillance and reconnaissance, with the alleged intention that others would go on to commit serious violence, in violation of Section 18(1)(b).
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “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. "Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support. "Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”
The three men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May.
A fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation on 9 May. He was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act but was released without charge on 15 May.
