Scotland Yard has charged two Iranian nationals under the UK’s National Security Act for allegedly conspiring to assist Iran’s intelligence service in a surveillance campaign targeting Jewish institutions and individuals in London.
Forty-year-old Nematollah Shahsavani, an Iranian-British dual national, and 22-year-old Alireza Farasati, an Iranian citizen, were arrested in coordinated raids across London on March 3. Both are accused of engaging in activities that could assist a foreign intelligence service between July 9 and August 15, 2025, according to police filings.
Key Details
- ⚖️ Charges filed under Section 1(1) of the National Security Act
- 🔍 Alleged surveillance linked to London’s Jewish community
- 📅 Court appearance set for March 19 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court
- 🚨 Two additional suspects released without charge
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of the Metropolitan Police described the case as “extremely serious” and vowed that officers would pursue anyone threatening public safety “relentlessly.”
📋 Timeline of Events
- March 3, 2025 — Arrests made following intelligence-led operation
- March 19, 2025 — Charged suspects to appear in court
- July 9–August 15, 2025 — Alleged activity period under investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation centers on potential espionage activities but declined to disclose specific locations or individuals targeted. Authorities have not revealed whether the suspects entered the country legally or if they were already under surveillance before the raids.
| Aspect | Suspect A | Suspect B |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 40 | 22 |
| Nationality | Iranian-British dual national | Iranian national |
| Residence | London | London |
| Status | Charged | Charged |
| Court Date | March 19 | March 19 |
Intelligence sources suggest the case may be connected to broader concerns about foreign influence operations in the UK, particularly from state actors in the Middle East. The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command is leading the probe, with support from MI5’s domestic intelligence unit.
💡 Pro Tip
If you suspect suspicious activity near community centers or places of worship, report it immediately to local police or the Anti-Terrorism Hotline—discretion can prevent escalation.
Community leaders in London have expressed concern, with one prominent Jewish representative calling the alleged surveillance “a direct threat to communal safety.” Police have urged calm while assuring the public that “robust measures” are in place to monitor and disrupt such threats.
- 📊 The case marks the first use of the National Security Act against foreign nationals in 2025
- 🔍 Investigators are examining digital communications between the suspects and known Iranian intelligence handlers
- ⚠️ Authorities warn that similar operations may be ongoing undetected
The suspects remain in police custody ahead of their court appearance. No further arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.