Three men have been charged with serious offences under the National Security Act 2023 following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The men, all Iranian nationals living in London, were arrested on Saturday 3 May. They were detained under Section 27 of the Act, with warrants allowing their detention to continue until Saturday 17 May.
On Friday 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against 39-year-old Mostafa Sepahvand from St John’s Wood, 44-year-old Farhad Javadi Manesh from Kensal Rise, and 55-year-old Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori from Ealing.
All three are accused of engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service – identified as Iran – between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025. This is contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act.
In addition, Sepahvand has been charged with carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research during the same period, with the intention of committing serious violence against a person in the UK. Manesh and Noori are accused of conducting similar activities with the intention that serious violence would be committed by others. These charges fall under Sections 18(1)(a) and 18(1)(b) of the Act.
Commander Dominic Murphy from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.
“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.
“Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”
The three men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 17 May.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
