Three Iranian Men Charged with Espionage in UK Counterterror Probe

British police have charged three Iranian men, Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, with spying after a counterterror investigation. They are accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service, specifically Iran, and are set to appear in court. A fourth man was released without charge.

British police are making headlines today for charging three Iranian men with espionage following a detailed counterterrorism investigation. These individuals, identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, were apprehended in London. The charges stem from actions between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025, allegedly assisting a foreign intelligence service—specifically, that of Iran.

All three accused are permanent residents of London and have remained in custody since their arrest on May 3. They are slated to appear in court later today. Interestingly, Sepahvand faces additional accusations related to engaging in surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research. These actions were purportedly intended for serious violent acts against a specific individual in the United Kingdom.

The other two men, according to police, are charged for their involvement in similar surveillance activities, with the aim to facilitate violent actions by other parties. Authorities have refrained from disclosing the identity of the person purportedly targeted in this alleged plot.

Commander Dominic Murphy from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command has labeled these charges as “extremely serious.” The investigation’s breadth indicates a significant focus on national security.

It is worth noting that a fourth man, taken into custody as part of this investigation, has since been released without any charges. This detail adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing case as further developments may arise as the judicial process unfolds.

The charges against the three Iranian men signify a critical moment in British counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing the importance of monitoring foreign intelligence activities within the UK. With the seriousness of the allegations, including potential violence, authorities remain vigilant. The case continues to evolve, with further information likely to surface as court proceedings begin.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com