Two men charged with spying for Iran targeting London Jewish community
Two men have been charged with spying for Iran after allegedly carrying out surveillance of sites linked to London’s Jewish community, British police said on Wednesday.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual British-Iranian national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, were charged under the National Security Act with assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges relate to activities including “reconnaissance of targets” between July and August 2025.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation focused on alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans described the charges as “extremely serious” and said police would be “relentless” in pursuing those who threaten 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,” she said.
The two men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
