Full Breakdown
Britain Seeks Extradition of Dual National Suspected of Spying on RAF Akrotiri
7/31/2026, 10:34:02 PM
Extradition Request and Allegations
On July 31, the Metropolitan Police announced that Britain has formally asked Cyprus to extradite Rashad Sultanov, a 44-year-old dual British-Azerbaijani citizen from Islington, north London. Cypriot authorities are holding Sultanov while extradition proceedings continue. Police allege that Sultanov conducted hostile surveillance of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base on the island and passed the intelligence to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The suspect was first arrested in 2025 and has remained in custody since that time, according to Cypriot police.
Investigation Timeline
The case marks the United Kingdom’s first overseas investigation under the National Security Act. Counter-terrorism officers examined incidents at RAF Akrotiri between May 11 and June 22 of the previous year. Sultanov was formally rearrested on July 17 after Britain lodged its extradition request. In March, an Iranian-type Shahed drone struck facilities at Akrotiri on March 2, causing minor damage. Earlier that month, Iran was reported to have launched two ballistic missiles at the U.S.–UK base on Diego Garcia, though neither missile hit its target.
Official Responses
Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, said the case demonstrates the United Kingdom’s ability to apply the National Security Act to overseas bases when they are targeted by hostile state activity. A Cypriot police spokesperson confirmed the July 17 rearrest and noted that the suspect remains in custody pending extradition. An Israeli minister, speaking at the time of the March incidents, said Cypriot authorities had thwarted an attack on Israeli citizens.
Verbatim Quote
“This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity,” — Helen Flanagan
Outlook
The extradition request proceeds under Cypriot legal processes, with no scheduled hearing date disclosed in the available sources. If approved, Sultanov could face prosecution in the United Kingdom for espionage and related national-security offenses.
