Three Iranian nationals charged after country-wide terror raids
The men are accused of helping Iranian intelligence and plotting serious violence
Last updated 17th May 2025
Three men have been charged with offences under the National Security Act following a major counter terrorism investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Iranian nationals 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, were arrested on Saturday, 3rd May.
They were detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023, and further detention warrants allowed their custody to be extended until Saturday, 17th May.
On Friday, 16th May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men.
All three have been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service – specifically the Iranian state – between 14th August 2024 and 16th February 2025, under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
Additional charges were brought against Sepahvand, who is accused of conducting surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research during that period with the intent of committing serious violence in the UK, under Section 18(1)(a) of the Act.
Manesh and Noori are also facing charges under Section 18(1)(b) for allegedly engaging in surveillance and reconnaissance with the intention that serious violence would be committed by others.
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.
“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 men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17th May.
A fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation on Friday, 9th May.
He was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act, but released without charge on Thursday, 15th May.