Romanian man claims friend committed Wimbledon stabbing for Iran
A Romanian builder accused of stabbing an Iranian opposition journalist in Wimbledon now claims his friend carried out the attack on behalf of Iran. The revelation has intensified scrutiny of Tehran’s alleged foreign operations targeting dissidents abroad.
A 32-year-old Romanian builder has been charged with stabbing an Iranian opposition journalist in Wimbledon on July 15, but now claims his friend wielded the knife in what he describes as a paid assignment for Iran. The attack left the journalist, Reza Amiri, with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Scotland Yard.
Investigators allege the accused, Daniel Popescu, coordinated the assault with a 28-year-old Romanian national identified only as Andrei M. Both men were arrested hours after the incident near Wimbledon train station. Police found a bloodstained knife in a nearby bin, forensic analysis of which has been linked to the attack.
Key Points
- ✅ Popescu and Andrei M. arrested hours after the July 15 stabbing
- ⚡ Bloodstained knife recovered near Wimbledon station
- 💡 Accused now claims friend committed the act for Iran
Popescu’s revised account, disclosed during police questioning on July 20, alleges Andrei M. was motivated by a £5,000 payment allegedly arranged through an intermediary in Bucharest. The funds, he claims, originated from a Tehran-based handler. British counterintelligence has been notified, with MI5 assessing the credibility of the claim amid broader concerns over Iran’s alleged foreign assassination programs.
| Aspect | Popescu’s Claim | Police Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | £5,000 allegedly from Iran via Bucharest | Transaction under investigation |
| Motive | Financial gain for Andrei M. | Possible foreign directive suspected |
| Coordination | Direct involvement by Popescu | Forensic and digital evidence being analyzed |
The journalist targeted, Reza Amiri, is a prominent figure in the London-based Iranian exile community and a vocal critic of the Tehran regime. Amiri, who survived the attack, has previously documented threats against him in intelligence reports filed with UK authorities. His supporters allege the assault reflects a pattern of transnational repression by Iran targeting dissidents in the UK.
💡 Pro Tip
Exile groups should immediately report threats to authorities and secure digital communications to mitigate risks of surveillance or retaliation.
British security officials confirm they are probing links between the attack and broader Iranian covert operations. According to intelligence shared with partners, Iran has been implicated in at least five similar incidents targeting Iranian dissidents across Europe since 2020. The Wimbledon case marks the first such incident in the UK during this period.
📋 By The Numbers
- 5 — Reported Iranian-linked attacks on dissidents in Europe since 2020
- £5,000 — Alleged payment for the Wimbledon attack
- 2 — Romanian nationals arrested in the case
Popescu and Andrei M. remain in custody as the investigation enters its second week. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional arrests are expected. Scotland Yard has urged any witnesses near Wimbledon station between 3:45 PM and 4:15 PM on July 15 to come forward. The Crown Prosecution Service is expected to review charges within 28 days.