Man Accused of Using Hidden Camera to Spy on Iranian Journalist in London
A Greek national has been charged with spying on a London-based Iranian journalist by allegedly using a covert camera concealed inside a sock, a court was informed.
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday facing charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service believed to have links to Iran. The case follows an investigation conducted by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.
Prosecutor Lee Ingham stated that Aidinidis is alleged to have travelled to the UK twice, in April and May of this year, to conduct surveillance on the journalist who works for Iran International.
He is accused of taking photographs and filming addresses and vehicle number plates associated with the journalist during both visits.
During his second trip in May, Aidinidis is said to have "installed a covert camera hidden in a sock," which prosecutors noted was capable of transmitting data "to persons unknown abroad."
Born in Georgia and residing in Germany, Aidinidis is also alleged to have received funding to carry out this surveillance.
According to the prosecution, his first UK visit occurred between 16 and 21 April, and the second between 12 and 16 May. He was arrested in West Sussex on 16 May by officers from CTP London.
At the hearing, Aidinidis confirmed his identity through a Russian interpreter but did not enter any pleas.
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 19 June.
Police and Official Statements
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, issued a statement prior to the hearing addressing public concerns:
"We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media."
"The force is providing advice and security support to a number of organisations and individuals, including the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation."
Authorities have indicated that there is no believed wider threat to the public.
Related Incidents
In April, three individuals were charged in connection with an attempted arson attack on the offices of Iran International located in north-west London.
An Islamist group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which is thought to have possible links to Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, although this claim has not been verified.
Last month, Iran International released a statement describing the situation as part of a broader campaign:
"[Iran International] has been subject to a campaign of transnational intimidation aimed at silencing independent journalism."
