Two men charged over alleged Iran-linked RAF Fairford plot
Prosecutors allege a handler directed men to drive vans to the Gloucestershire airbase.
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, have appeared in court charged under the National Security Act 2023. Prosecutors allege that a handler identified only as 'Ali', believed to be working for Iran, instructed men to drive vans to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. One of the individuals tasked with the journey alerted the authorities after being warned of a bomb within the vehicles, the court heard.
Allegations in Court
During proceedings at Westminster Magistrates' Court, it was stated that Abdulkarim acted as an intermediary for 'Ali' and purportedly received around £70,000. Essghir faces a charge of entering a prohibited place for a purpose detrimental to the United Kingdom, relating to alleged reconnaissance activities on August 22. This alleged reconnaissance occurred approximately one month before the incident involving the vans.
Police located three white vans and five men near the airbase on September 27, leading to their arrest. While no explosives were discovered in the vans, each contained a metal oil drum. Two of these drums held petrol, and the vans were also equipped with hard plastic water butts and dashcams with internet connectivity. Abdulkarim is also alleged to have purchased equipment for the mission.
The court heard that 'Ali' may also be linked to an earlier incident at the Israeli embassy, where propaganda videos suggested a chemical weapon attack by a drone. RAF Fairford is utilised by the United States Air Force, and heavy bombers have been stationed there following permissions for defensive operations concerning Iran.
Bail and Custody
Abdulkarim was granted bail with conditions including residency requirements and the surrender of his passport. Essghir has been remanded in custody. Both men are scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on November 20.
Questions this report answers
01What are Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir accused of?
Mohmed Abdulkarim is accused of acting as an intermediary for a foreign handler known as 'Ali' and receiving approximately £70,000. Nouman Essghir is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK, relating to alleged reconnaissance.
02What was found in the vans taken to RAF Fairford?
No explosives were found in the vans. However, police discovered metal oil drums in each, with two containing petrol. The vans were also equipped with hard plastic water butts and internet-enabled dashcams.
03What are the next steps for Abdulkarim and Essghir?
Mohmed Abdulkarim has been granted bail with specific conditions. Nouman Essghir has been remanded in custody. Both men are next due to appear at the Old Bailey on November 20.
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