Two men charged with allegedly spying on London Jewish community for Iran

Two Iranian men have been charged with an offence under the National Security Act after an investigation into alleged reconnaissance of Jewish targets on behalf of Iran.

Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The investigation is linked to Iran, officials said.

Counter Terrorism Policing had been investigating alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to London's Jewish community.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans described the charges as "extremely serious" and said the force will be "relentless" in its pursuit of anyone threatening the safety of the public.

"We fully recognise that the public - and in particular the Jewish community - will be concerned but I hope this investigation reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we identify there may be a threat to their safety, and will be relentless in our pursuit of those who may be responsible," she added.

Shahsavani, a dual British-Iranian national of North Finchley, and Farasati, an Iranian national of Edgware, were both charged with engaging in contact that is likely to assist the Iranian intelligence service between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges under the National Security Act related to activities that included "reconnaissance of targets."

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Two other men who were arrested at the same time as part of the investigation have been released without charge.