Two Londoners Charged Over Iran Intelligence Plot
Men accused of assisting foreign intelligence service and entering prohibited place near RAF base.
Two British nationals from London have been charged as part of an investigation into a plot to assist Iran's intelligence service. Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, faces a charge of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Nouman Essghir, also 24, is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) stated that they believe the foreign intelligence service involved is Iran. This development comes amidst a series of recent incidents that CTP believes have been directed by the Iranian state. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of national counter terrorism policing, urged the public to report any concerns, stating that such reports can make a difference.
Investigation Details
Abdulkarim and Essghir were arrested in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Essghir was initially arrested at the scene on September 27 and re-arrested on October 20. Both are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The prosecution decisions were confirmed by Frank Ferguson, chief Crown prosecutor for the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, following the CTP investigation.
A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national, arrested on October 20 on suspicion of aiding Iran’s intelligence service, has been released without charge but remains on police bail. Five other men arrested during the investigation also remain on police bail.
Questions this report answers
01What are Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir charged with?
Mohmed Abdulkarim is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Nouman Essghir is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Both are connected to a plot to assist Iran's intelligence service.
02Which foreign intelligence service is believed to be involved?
Counter Terrorism Policing believes the foreign intelligence service involved in this case is Iran. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor noted recent incidents believed to be directed by the Iranian state.
03Where and when will the men appear in court?
Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The date of their appearance is today, as stated in the reporting.
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