Two males charged with nationwide safety offence after being accused of ‘spying for Iran’
Two men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged under section 3 of the National Security Act 2023 following a Counter Terrorism Police investigation
(Image: yujie chen via Getty Images)
Two men have been charged with a National Security Act offence following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The men were arrested and detained on Friday, 6 March, as part of an investigation into alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area.
On Wednesday, 18 March, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the following two men: Nematollah Shahsavani, a dual Iranian/British national, 40 (17.05.85) of north Finchley and Alireza Farasati, an Iranian national, 22 (22.11.03) of Edgware
Both men have been charged with participating in conduct that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service, between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025, contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act, 2023. The nation to which the investigation relates is Iran.
They are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 March.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for CTP said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex investigation.
“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock to gather and assess the evidence and we have liaised closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point.
“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.
“Counter Terrorism Policing work closely with front line officers across the country to keep communities safe. Any concerns from the public can be shared with local policing teams or via national reporting tools such as www.gov.uk/ACT”
Two additional men who were detained on March 6 as part of the inquiry have been freed without charge. Frank Ferguson, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, announced: “We have decided to prosecute two men for an offence under the National Security Act.
“Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, have each been charged with engaging in conduct that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025, contrary to section 3 (2) of the National Security Act 2023.
“The charge relates to carrying out activities in the UK such as gathering information and undertaking reconnaissance of targets. The country to which the charge relates is Iran.
“We have worked closely with the Counter Terrorism Command at the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation.
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
