Three Men Charged Under National Security Act for Allegedly Assisting Iranian Intelligence
May 19, 2025Three Iranian men have been charged under the UK’s National Security Act for allegedly assisting Iran’s intelligence service and planning serious violence in the UK.
The famous spinning sign outside the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard, in central London. Picture date: Tuesday January 28, 2025. (Photo by Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images)Three Iranian nationals have been charged under the National Security Act on suspicion of assisting the Iranian foreign intelligence service, following a counter-terrorism investigation by Scotland Yard.
The Metropolitan Police announced that the charges stem from alleged activities between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025. The three men, all of whom have London addresses, were arrested on Saturday 3 May and are scheduled to appear before magistrates at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
The individuals have been identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of St John’s Wood; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, of Kensal Rise; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, of Ealing.
According to the Met, Sepahvand faces additional charges for engaging in conduct—including surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research—with the intention of committing serious violence against a person in the UK. Manesh and Noori have also been charged with conducting surveillance and reconnaissance activities with the same alleged intent.
A fourth man, arrested on Friday 9 May under the National Security Act, was released without charge on Thursday.
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command stated: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service’s counter terrorism command, we have authorised criminal charges against three Iranian nationals.”
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