Story perspectives

Cyprus Arrests British-Azerbaijani Spy, UK Act Used Abroad

8/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cyprus authorities arrested Rashad Sultanov, a British-Azerbaijani citizen, on 17 July 2026 for spying for Iran.
He allegedly surveilled RAF Akrotiri from 11 May to 22 June 2025 and passed the data to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged him under sections 3 and 4 of the UK National Security Act, its first overseas use, a move Commander Helen Flanagan said shows the Act can be applied overseas when British bases face activity.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 Iranian Revolution created the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, established by decree in May 1979, cementing a decades-long intelligence rivalry with Western powers. British authorities charged Rashad Sultanov under the UK National Security Act for alleged espionage, a step that echoes the post-revolution mistrust shaping UK-Iran security and diplomatic relations.

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Story summary

Cyprus authorities arrested Rashad Sultanov, a British-Azerbaijani citizen, on 17 July 2026 for spying for Iran.
He allegedly surveilled RAF Akrotiri from 11 May to 22 June 2025 and passed the data to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged him under sections 3 and 4 of the UK National Security Act, its first overseas use, a move Commander Helen Flanagan said shows the Act can be applied overseas when British bases face activity.

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