Four suspects arrested for ‘aiding Iran’s intelligence service’

Four men have been arrested in the United Kingdom (UK) on suspicion of aiding Iran’s intelligence service by spying on locations and individuals linked to London’s Jewish community. 

The suspects, one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranians, were arrested in north London and Watford by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the investigation relates to the suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to Jewish communities in London.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests were part of “a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it”.

“We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us,” she added.

In a statement, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood sought to reassure the public that the UK police and security services “are world-leading” and would not hesitate to “take action to counter any threat to the UK.”

“They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe. They have the government’s full support as they carry out their vital work.”

Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain shortly after news of the arrests broke, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: “Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism globally, and sadly, that is in effect in our own society as well.

“Our intelligence services and counter-terrorism police have thwarted lots of action over the last few years,” he added, praising the work of the security services and police.

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In a statement, the Community Security Trust, a charity protecting Britain’s Jewish community, thanked police for their work on the case, adding that “security is strong across the Jewish community.”

According to the BBC, a 40-year-old and a 55-year-old were arrested at addresses in Barnet, a 52-year-old in Watford and a 22-year-old in Harrow, while searches remain ongoing in Watford, Barnet, and an address in Wembley.

Continuing, the four men were said to have been held under the National Security Act, a 2023 law aimed at updating counter-spying rules and tackling foreign interference.

According to reports, after Iran launched retaliatory strikes following the US-Israel attack at the weekend, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned Iran’s actions against “partners across the region.”

“Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and to the Jewish community,” Sir Keir added.

“Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil.”

BBC also reports that six other men, aged 20, 29, 39, 42, and 49, were also arrested in Harrow on suspicion of helping the suspects. All 10 men are now in custody.