Two Iranian Men Charged Under National Security Act
Two Iranian men have been charged under the National Security Act, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The investigation is connected to Iran, according to the police.
Counter Terrorism Policing has been investigating alleged surveillance activities targeting locations and individuals associated with London's Jewish community.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans described the charges as "extremely serious" and emphasized the force's commitment to public safety.
"We fully recognise that the public - and in particular the Jewish community - will be concerned but I hope this investigation reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we identify there may be a threat to their safety, and will be relentless in our pursuit of those who may be responsible," she added.
Shahsavani, a dual British-Iranian national from North Finchley, and Farasati, an Iranian national from Edgware, were both charged with engaging in contact likely to assist the Iranian intelligence service between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025.
They are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Two other men arrested simultaneously as part of the investigation have been released without charge.
