Two individuals, Nematollah Shahsavani, aged 40, and Alireza Farasati, aged 22, have been accused of spying for Iran on targets associated with the Jewish community in London. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that the charges against the duo, under the National Security Act, involve engaging with a foreign intelligence service between July 9 and August 15 last year.
Shahsavani, a dual national of Iran and Britain residing in north Finchley, and Farasati, an Iranian national from Edgware, are scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 19.
The allegations stem from a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London investigation into the suspected surveillance of Jewish community-related sites and individuals in London. Following the arrests of four men on March 6, including Shahsavani and Farasati, the two others were released without charges.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for CTP, emphasized the seriousness of the charges, highlighting the complexity of the investigation. Evans reassured the public, especially the Jewish community, of the authorities’ dedication to ensuring safety and taking necessary action against potential threats.
She encouraged the public to report any concerns to local law enforcement or through national reporting channels. Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed the decision to prosecute Shahsavani and Farasati for engaging in conduct likely to aid a foreign intelligence service, specifying the time frame and activities involved.
Ferguson underscored the ongoing criminal proceedings and the importance of avoiding any reporting or sharing of information that could prejudice the case.
