Counter-Terror Police Extend Detention in Iranian Spy Plot Targeting London's Jewish Community
Anti-terror police have been granted additional time to interrogate three men over an alleged Iranian spy plot aimed at targeting London's Jewish community. The suspects, identified by police as A, C, and D, were detained last Friday alongside a fourth individual on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Arrests and Investigation Details
The operation, which led to the arrests of one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian nationals, occurred at addresses in Harrow, Watford, and Barnet in the early hours of March 6. Police have obtained a warrant for further detention for the three men, aged 22, 40, and 52, at Westminster Magistrates' Court, allowing them to be held until March 20. The fourth man, known as B, has been released without charge.
Counter-terror police have conducted raids on multiple properties during the investigation, with 11 homes now searched. Officers have seized various items, including digital devices, which are currently under examination. The operation is understood to be linked to suspected surveillance of a Jewish community in London for Iranian intelligence authorities.
Additional Arrests and Bail
Six other men, aged 29, 39, 42, 49, and two aged 20, were arrested at the same location in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. One of these men was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. All six have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Background and Context
The alleged spying operation is not believed to be directly linked to the outbreak of the Iran war, with police emphasizing that the arrests resulted from a long-running investigation. Scotland Yard initiated the probe after the malign activities of the suspected Iranian cell aroused suspicion, with a tip-off from a member of the Jewish community.
According to sources, the cell had been under surveillance for months, but officers accelerated their arrest plans due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Police believe their actions were part of a long-term plan to target the Jewish community in the capital, rather than a specific plot. Iran's intelligence services have a history of targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals in Britain.
Official Statements and Community Response
Sir Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, previously revealed that the UK has responded to 20 Iran-backed plots since the start of 2022. In October, he stated: Iran's autocratic regime is frantically trying to silence its opponents around the world, including in the UK. Behind the scenes, MI5 and our police partners continue to catch those who are reckless enough to become Iranian pawns.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terror Police, said: This investigation continues at pace with a number of lines of enquiry being pursued by our detectives. The warrants of further detention for these three men will allow us to continue the investigation, while mitigating any potential risk to the public as we do so. This has been a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.
She added: We fully recognise that the public – and in particular the Jewish community – may be concerned but I also hope the action we have taken reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we think there may be a threat to their safety. As ever, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity monitoring antisemitism in the UK, commented at the time of the arrests: Security is strong across the Jewish community. CST thanks Counter Terror Policing London and will not be commenting further at this time.
