Two men accused of spying on behalf of Iran carried out what prosecutors have described as 'hostile' surveillance on London's Jewish communities, targeting colleges and synagogues, according to evidence presented in court. Nematollah Shahsavani, aged 40, and Alireza Farasati, aged 22, face charges under the National Security Act 2023 for conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between July 9 and August 15 last year.
Targets Identified Across London
Prosecutors detailed that Shahsavani allegedly identified multiple 'targets' for surveillance across the capital. These included the Israeli embassy in Kensington, the JW3 community centre in Finchley, and the historic Bevis Marks Synagogue in Aldgate, which is Britain's oldest synagogue. Additionally, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that a woman residing in the UK, accused of being a Mossad agent, was also allegedly targeted in this operation.
Broader Surveillance Network
Other locations reportedly under surveillance encompassed a home in Colchester, the Sternberg Centre for Judaism, various schools, another synagogue, a museum in Finchley, and the Community Security Trust, a prominent Jewish security charity. Prosecuting barrister Louise Attrill stated in 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.'
Roles and Activities of the Accused
Shahsavani, a delivery driver by occupation, is alleged to have 'tasked' Farasati to conduct surveillance activities against Israeli and Jewish sites, as well as potential targets connected to Iranian intelligence services. The court was informed that Shahsavani travelled to Iran in April last year and was interviewed under the Terrorism Act upon his return in August. Ms Attrill added: 'We strongly infer that whilst in Iran Shahsavani was being instructed by Iranian intelligence services.'
Both defendants are accused of gathering information while in the UK that would materially assist a foreign intelligence service. Prosecutors contend they were 'gathering information and undertaking reconnaissance of targets, and knew or ought to have known their conduct was likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service'.
Personal Backgrounds and Legal Proceedings
Shahsavani, a dual British-Iranian national residing at Sandringham Gardens in North Finchley, north London, has lived in the UK since 2009. Farasati, an Iranian national living at Sanday Drive in Colindale, north-west London, moved to the UK in 2021 at age 17 and has trained as a barber. Both men appeared in the dock together on Thursday morning, aided by Farsi interpreters during the hearing.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded both defendants into custody ahead of a scheduled hearing at the Old Bailey on April 17. They have been in custody since their initial arrest by the Metropolitan Police on Friday, March 6, following a counter-terror investigation. Two other British-Iranian nationals arrested as part of the same investigation have been released without charge.
Courtroom Developments and Defence
Neither defendant entered a plea during Thursday's court hearing, speaking only to confirm their names and dates of birth. However, Alphege Bell, representing Farasati, indicated to the court that he intends to fight the charge. In a notable moment, Shahsavani, wearing a blue puffa jacket, was observed blowing a kiss towards the public gallery as he was led away to the cells after the proceedings.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about foreign espionage activities targeting minority communities in the UK, with authorities emphasising the seriousness of the allegations under the newly enacted National Security Act 2023.
