Three charged with National Security Act offences

A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation has resulted in three men being charged with offences under the National Security Act.

The three men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained on Saturday, 3 May, under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023. Warrants of further detention were obtained meaning the three men could be detained until Saturday, 17 May.

The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men:

Mostafa Sepahvand, 39 (22.9.85) of St John’s Wood, London
Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 (22.9.80) of Kensal Rise, London
Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 (23.9.69), of Ealing, London

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.

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.

"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, 17 May.

On Friday, 9 May, a fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation and he was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. A warrant of further detention was obtained, meaning he could be detained until Friday, 16 May. He was released without charge on Thursday, 15 May.