Three suspects face serious charges under National Security Act over alleged links to Iranian intelligence services
LONDON, 17 May 2025 – Three Iranian nationals have been charged with serious offences under the UK’s new National Security Act following an intensive counter-terror investigation into alleged espionage activities conducted on behalf of Iran.
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 – were arrested on 3 May in London under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. The arrests formed part of a major investigation led by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
On Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised multiple charges against the trio. All three are accused of “engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service” – namely, Iran – between August 2024 and February 2025. This offence falls under Section 3 of the landmark legislation, which was introduced to bolster the UK’s ability to respond to modern threats from hostile states.
The charges relate to alleged intelligence gathering, including surveillance and reconnaissance, that may have been intended to assist others in carrying out acts of serious violence within the UK.
In addition to the general charges, Sepahvand faces a further, more serious count under Section 18(1)(a) of the Act. He is alleged to have undertaken surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source intelligence gathering with the specific intention of facilitating acts of serious violence against an individual or individuals in the UK.
Meanwhile, Manesh and Noori are also charged under Section 18(1)(b), accused of participating in similar activity with the alleged intent that others would carry out violent acts.
In a statement, Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, stressed the gravity of the situation:
“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.”
All three men have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May.
As part of the same investigation, a fourth man, aged 31, was arrested on 9 May under Section 27 of the National Security Act. However, after extensive inquiries, he was released without charge on 15 May.
More Read
The case marks one of the first high-profile uses of the National Security Act 2023, which was enacted to replace and expand upon existing espionage laws amid growing concerns over the activities of foreign intelligence services within the UK. The legislation introduces new offences specifically designed to tackle modern threats from hostile states, including sabotage, foreign interference, and covert surveillance.
Iran has previously been accused by Western governments of orchestrating assassination plots and surveillance operations against dissidents and critics abroad. While officials have not disclosed the precise target or motivation behind the alleged UK plot, security experts believe this case may signal a broader trend of escalating espionage activity linked to Tehran.
As the investigation continues, authorities have reiterated the importance of public vigilance and cooperation, while cautioning against speculation or prejudicial commentary as the legal proceedings unfold.
