In a controversial operation, London police arrested two individuals on charges of collaborating with Iranian intelligence services. The two are a 60-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman who are currently in custody under national security laws.
Details of the Arrests
The man was arrested at an address in northwest London, while the woman was detained at another property in the northern part of the English capital. These arrests occurred after two searches on June 24 at residential addresses in northern and northwest London. Investigations following these searches led to the arrest of these two individuals. Following this event, another property in northwest London was also inspected on September 9.
Both suspects were transferred to a police station in London and were later released under strict conditions until late October. The Metropolitan Police emphasized that these arrests are not connected to recent attacks against Jewish targets and Iranian dissidents in London and are not related to any activities or events associated with the Jewish holy days.
Security Threats and New Developments
Helen Flanagan, the commander of the London anti-terrorism police, stated that these arrests are not due to an immediate threat to the public. She said, "Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in activities related to national security and state threats, and this investigation continues that trend."
Additionally, two other Iranians are set to stand trial in London next year. They are accused of spying on the Israeli embassy and Jewish targets under the orders of Iranian intelligence services. Nima Tala Shahsavani, 41, and Alireza Farasti, 22, were arrested in March. Two other men who were arrested at the same time were released without charges.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been identified as a threat to the British government under new anti-terrorism laws. A group called Harakat Ansar al-Yamin al-Islamiyyah, which is linked to the IRGC and has claimed responsibility for attacks on Jewish targets and Iranian dissidents in the UK and Europe, has also been similarly identified.
