They were appearing in court on Saturday, counter-terror policing said
The Metropolitan Police
Three men have been charged with offences under the National Security Act after a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation, it was confirmed today.
The three – all Iranian nationals – were arrested and detained on Saturday, May 3 under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023, the Metropolitan Police said on Saturday.
Warrants of further detention were subsequently obtained.
The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of St John’s Wood, London; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 of Kensal Rise, London, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, of Ealing, London, said the Met.
In a statement, the force said: “All three were charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
“Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023.
They are due to appear at Westminster magistrates’ court(Image: Getty Images)
“Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023.
“The foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.
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“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.
“Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”
The three were appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May. A fourth man arrested has been released without charge.
Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised criminal charges against three Iranian nationals. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”