Iranian Nationals Charged with Hostile Surveillance of Jewish Institutions in London

Two Iranian men, Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual Iranian-British national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian citizen, have been charged with conducting hostile surveillance of Jewish and Israeli institutions in London on behalf of Iran's intelligence service. The charges were presented at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where the defendants did not enter pleas. They are accused of engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between July 9 and August 15, 2025.

CP24Daily Mail

The prosecution, led by Louise Attrill, alleges that Shahsavani and Farasati were involved in reconnaissance activities targeting several significant locations, including the Israeli Embassy, the Israeli Consulate, Bevis Marks Synagogue—the oldest synagogue in Britain—and the JW3 Jewish community center. Additionally, they are accused of surveilling the Community Security Trust, an organization that provides security advice to the Jewish community, and a woman believed to have connections to both Iran and Israel.

South China Morning Post

Evidence presented in court indicates that Shahsavani had a list of targets and allegedly tasked Farasati with carrying out the surveillance. The two men were arrested on March 6, 2026, as part of a counter-terrorism investigation, and have been held in custody since then.

Daily Mail

Shahsavani has lived in the UK since 2009 and has a family, while Farasati moved to the UK in 2021 on a family reunion visa. The alleged surveillance activities reportedly occurred prior to a military campaign by the US and Israel against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. This context highlights the increasing tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly concerning espionage and security threats.

Daily Mail

Vicki Evans, Britain's senior national coordinator of counterterrorism policing, acknowledged the public's concerns, particularly within the Jewish community, stating, “We fully recognize that the public — and in particular the Jewish community — will be concerned.” She emphasized the commitment to take action against any identified threats.

New York Times

While the prosecution lays out its case, defense attorneys for the accused have indicated their intention to contest the charges. Alphege Bell, representing Farasati, stated that his client would deny the allegations. The defense's perspective underscores the complexities of national security cases, where the balance between public safety and individual rights is often scrutinized.

New York Times

Both Shahsavani and Farasati are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on April 17, 2026, for further proceedings. The case continues to draw attention amid broader discussions about the threat posed by Iranian espionage activities in the UK, as highlighted by MI5's previous warnings regarding Iran-backed plots.

Daily Mail

• “Louise Attrill, prosecuting, told the court: 'The two defendants are suspected of assisting the Iranian intelligence service by conducting hostile surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Israeli and Jewish community.” — Louise Attrill, Prosecutor

Daily Mail

• “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.” — Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator of Counterterrorism Policing

New York Times