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Two men charged with espionage for Iran against Jewish community in the UK

Mar 19, 2026, 10:19 AM40
(Update: Mar 19, 2026, 2:09 PM)
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Two men charged with espionage for Iran against Jewish community in the UK

  • Two men, Nematollah Shahsavani and Alireza Farasati, have been charged with spying for Iran against the UK's Jewish community.
  • The charges stem from an investigation into hostile surveillance conducted in London on behalf of Iranian intelligence.
  • This case reflects rising concerns over foreign interference and threats to public safety within vulnerable communities.
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In the United Kingdom, British police have formalized charges against two individuals involved in espionage activities targeting the Jewish community on behalf of Iran. Nematollah Shahsavani, a 40-year-old Iranian-British national, and Alireza Farasati, a 22-year-old Iranian citizen, have been charged with conducting hostile surveillance around London from July to August of the previous year. Both suspects were apprehended as part of a counter-terrorism inquiry initiated on March 6, 2026, where two other suspects were also arrested but released without charges. The allegations against Shahsavani and Farasati underline a growing concern regarding foreign intelligence operations on British soil, particularly involving Iranian agents targeting Jewish organizations and locations. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) contends that the suspects' activities included gathering intelligence and reconnaissance on various sites associated with London's Jewish community, including notable establishments like the Jewish Community Centre and Bevis Marks Synagogue, the latter being the oldest synagogue in the UK. During a preliminary court appearance, both individuals confirmed their identities through an interpreter, and the prosecution highlighted their assistance to the Iranian intelligence service by systematically observing Jewish sites and potential targets linked to Israel. Prosecutor Louise Attrill mentioned that this coordinated surveillance effort has raised alarms concerning security and public safety, especially within the Jewish population in London. Following the charges, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans emphasized the seriousness of these allegations and the implications they hold for national security. She reassured the public, particularly the Jewish community, of the police force's commitment to ensuring safety and addressing any threats posed by such espionage acts. The investigation illustrates the ongoing tensions and risks connected to foreign influence operations in the UK, culminating in a significant legal inquiry that stresses vigilance against potential threats.

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