Three men have been charged with serious offences under the UK’s National Security Act 2023, following an investigation led by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command. The case, which involves suspected links to Iranian intelligence, marks a significant application of the updated national security legislation.
Charges and Allegations
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against the following individuals on Friday, 16 May 2025:
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Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of St John’s Wood, London
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Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, of Kensal Rise, London
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Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, of Ealing, London
All three Iranian nationals have been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, for actions carried out between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025.
Further Offences
Sepahvand faces additional charges under Section 18(1)(a) of the Act for allegedly conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research with the intent to commit serious violence in the UK.
Manesh and Noori are also accused of facilitating such violence by others, through coordinated reconnaissance, in breach of Section 18(1)(b).
The foreign state linked to these offences has been confirmed by authorities as Iran.
Court Proceedings
The men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Saturday, 17 May 2025.
Counter-Terrorism Command Statement
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads 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.
Detectives have worked tirelessly alongside the CPS, and we have provided support to individuals directly affected.
Now that charges have been brought, I urge the public not to speculate so the criminal justice process can proceed fairly.”
Fourth Arrest and Release
A fourth man, aged 31, was arrested on 9 May under Section 27 of the same Act. He was detained under a warrant of further detention until 15 May, but has since been released without charge.
Understanding the National Security Act 2023
The National Security Act 2023 is designed to modernise the UK’s response to espionage, foreign interference, and hostile state activity. This case represents one of the first high-profile prosecutions under the updated legislation.
Security Implications
The charges underscore growing security concerns over Iranian espionage operations in Western countries. The UK’s intelligence and policing bodies have highlighted a rise in hostile state activity, with Iran identified as a priority threat alongside Russia and China.
Next Steps
The case will now proceed through the UK criminal courts, with potential further charges or evidence disclosure expected. Authorities continue to investigate possible additional suspects or broader connections.
Anyone with information related to hostile state activity is urged to contact the police via 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
