In a significant development highlighting the UK’s ongoing efforts to counter foreign espionage, three Iranian nationals have been arrested and charged with spying offenses in London. The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command apprehended the individuals following a comprehensive investigation into activities allegedly conducted on behalf of Iran’s intelligence services. The case marks a notable application of the UK’s National Security Act, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are addressing threats to national security.
Details of the Arrests
The individuals arrested have been identified as:
Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, residing in St John’s Wood, northwest London Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, residing in Kensal Rise, northwest London Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, residing in Ealing, west London
The arrests occurred on May 3, 2025, as part of a coordinated operation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. The investigation revealed that between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025, the trio allegedly engaged in activities intended to assist Iran’s intelligence services. These activities included surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research, with the purported aim of facilitating serious acts of violence within the UK.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
All three men have been charged under the UK’s National Security Act for engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service, specifically Iran. The charges are as follows:
Mostafa Sepahvand faces additional charges for conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research with the intent to commit serious violence against a person in the UK. Farhad Javadi Manesh and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori are charged with engaging in surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that serious violence would be committed by others.
The accused are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Authorities have emphasized the gravity of the charges and have urged the public to refrain from speculation to ensure the integrity of the legal proceedings.
Background on the National Security Act
The National Security Act, enacted to bolster the UK’s defenses against foreign threats, provides law enforcement agencies with enhanced powers to address espionage and related activities. The Act criminalizes conduct that assists foreign intelligence services and allows for the prosecution of individuals engaged in such activities. The current case represents a significant application of the Act, underscoring its role in the UK’s national security framework.
Implications for UK-Iran Relations
The arrests and subsequent charges have potential implications for diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran. Historically, cases of espionage have strained ties between the two nations. The UK government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and addressing foreign threats, while Iranian officials have yet to comment on the arrests. The situation may lead to increased scrutiny of Iran’s activities within the UK and could influence future diplomatic engagements.
Surveillance and Reconnaissance Activities
According to details emerging from the preliminary investigations, the accused individuals reportedly carried out extensive surveillance and reconnaissance missions targeting dissidents and individuals critical of the Iranian regime. These alleged missions were conducted across multiple locations in London, utilizing sophisticated monitoring techniques. Surveillance included photographing homes, tracking routines, and potentially identifying security vulnerabilities around targets’ residences and places of work.
These activities are thought to be part of a broader pattern of international harassment and intimidation carried out by the Iranian state against members of the diaspora, particularly those aligned with opposition movements. Law enforcement officials have stressed that the surveillance was not random but appeared meticulously planned, with clear intent to support hostile operations.
Use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
One particularly alarming aspect of the allegations is the claimed use of open-source intelligence tools. OSINT includes publicly accessible platforms such as social media, satellite imagery, and online directories to gather information about individuals and their affiliations. Investigators believe the suspects used these tools to build detailed profiles of their targets, which may have been relayed back to Iranian intelligence handlers.
This method is cost-effective and difficult to trace, making it a preferred technique for modern espionage operations. It demonstrates a shift in traditional spycraft, where digital means now play an increasingly critical role in national security threats.
Reactions from Law Enforcement and Government
Metropolitan Police and Counter-Terrorism Command Statements
Following the arrests, the Metropolitan Police issued a detailed statement highlighting the scope and importance of the operation. Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized the significance of the charges under the new National Security Act. He noted that the investigation had been “complex and sensitive,” involving close cooperation with intelligence services and international partners.
He further reassured the public that while the activities were concerning, there was no imminent threat to general public safety at the time of arrest. The police also encouraged any community members with relevant information to come forward.
Government’s Stand on Foreign Interference
In response to the arrests, the Home Office reiterated its commitment to tackling foreign interference on British soil. Home Secretary James Cleverly underscored the UK government’s zero-tolerance approach towards state-sponsored threats, asserting that the country’s security infrastructure would continue to adapt to evolving threats.
The government is also reportedly reviewing its diplomatic stance towards Iran in light of the charges. Analysts suggest that further sanctions or diplomatic expulsions may be on the table depending on the progress of the legal case.
The Role of MI5 and Intelligence Collaboration
Coordination Between Domestic and International Intelligence Agencies
MI5, the UK’s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, played a central role in detecting and monitoring the suspects. The operation likely relied on a combination of human intelligence (HUMINT), digital forensics, and surveillance data.
Sources indicate that the UK received intelligence support from allied agencies, possibly including the CIA and European counterparts, given Iran’s global network of intelligence operations. These partnerships are essential for piecing together cross-border elements of espionage activities and preventing coordinated threats.
Surveillance Infrastructure and Legal Challenges
One of the challenges in these types of investigations is balancing robust surveillance with legal constraints on civil liberties. British intelligence agencies must adhere strictly to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, which governs surveillance practices. As such, gathering admissible evidence required painstaking attention to legal detail, a factor that underscores the sophistication of the operation.
Broader Context: Iran’s Global Espionage Network
Previous Cases in Europe and North America
This case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Western nations have reported a surge in Iran-backed espionage plots, including kidnapping and surveillance of dissidents. Germany, France, the U.S., and Canada have all foiled alleged plots tied to Iranian intelligence units targeting journalists, activists, and former government officials.
These international patterns suggest a concerted effort by Tehran to project power and silence dissent abroad. The use of diaspora networks and sleeper cells is a well-documented tactic, which has forced Western nations to reevaluate their diplomatic and security postures toward Iran.
Motivation Behind the Surveillance Operations
At the heart of such espionage efforts is Tehran’s desire to control the narrative beyond its borders. Surveillance and intimidation of critics, especially those who advocate for regime change or expose human rights abuses, serve as strategic moves to deter dissent. Intelligence experts believe these operations are also aimed at collecting actionable intelligence to neutralize perceived threats through cyber-attacks, propaganda, or physical harm.
This chilling approach has led many Iranian expatriates to live in fear—even in countries known for democratic freedoms. The current case in the UK illustrates just how deep and far-reaching these efforts can be.
