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Two men charged with National Security Act offence

Following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London, two men have been charged with a National Security Act offence.

The pair were originally arrested on Friday 6 March, as part of an investigationÌý into alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area.

On Wednesday 18th March, CPS authorised charges against 40-year-od Nematollah Shahsavani and 22-year-old Alireza Farasati.

They have both 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 of the National Security Act, 2023.

In this case, the foreign intelligence service is that of Iran. Shahsavani is a dual Iranian/British national and Farasati is an Iranian national.

The men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 19 March.

Two other men who were arrested on March 6 as part of the investigation have been released without charge.

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."

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