Islington Man Charged Under National Security Act for RAF Akrotiri Surveillance

A man from Islington has been charged under the National Security Act after allegedly conducting hostile surveillance at a British military base in Cyprus. Rashad Sultanov, 44, was arrested in Cyprus on 17 July 2026 as part of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing London. He remains in custody while extradition proceedings continue.

Sultanov is accused of gathering intelligence at RAF Akrotiri, a Royal Air Force base on the island, between 11 May and 22 June 2025. The base is classified as a prohibited place under UK law. Authorities allege he shared the information with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Iran’s military intelligence service.

Charges and Extradition

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges against Sultanov under sections 3 and 4 of the National Security Act. Section 3 covers obtaining or disclosing protected information, while section 4 relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service. The CPS confirmed the charges on 20 July 2026, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.

Cypriot authorities are handling the extradition process. The Metropolitan Police stated that Sultanov is being held in custody in Cyprus while proceedings move forward. No date has been set for a hearing, and it is unclear how long the process will take.

Investigation Details

Counter Terrorism Policing London, which led the investigation, described the case as the first use of the National Security Act for alleged offences in an overseas territory. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity."

The investigation involved collaboration between the Metropolitan Police, the National Crime Agency, the CPS, and Cypriot law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the partnership remains active as extradition proceedings progress.

What Happens Next

Sultanov will remain in custody in Cyprus until extradition proceedings conclude. If extradited, he will face trial in the UK under the National Security Act. The CPS has not indicated whether additional charges may be considered.

The Metropolitan Police has not released further details about the evidence gathered during the investigation. It is also unclear whether other individuals are being sought in connection with the case.