Britain's most senior counter-terrorism officer has defended the police investigation into the RAF Fairford incident after two suspects were formally charged. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, acknowledged that some decisions made during the probe could "appear illogical" to the public, following the initial release of seven suspects on bail.
The senior officer also confirmed that specialists believe the plot was being orchestrated by a "foreign intelligence service", widely believed to be Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mr Taylor insisted the tactics employed have led to "better evidence" that can be used in court.
Two Men Charged
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, of London, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. He will appear alongside Nouman Essghir, 24, also of London, who is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
Essghir was arrested at the scene in Gloucestershire on Sunday, September 27. Mr Taylor confirmed that Abdulkarim was interviewed under caution before being charged on suspicion of trying to assist a foreign intelligence service.
Investigation Tactics Defended
Assistant Commissioner Taylor said: "For the public, this incident was defined by images of three vans, being stopped and searched by armed police officers, and the arrest of five men at the scene.
"The subsequent release of those five men on police bail, sparked significant questions and speculation about the investigation and why that was the case.
"We know that decisions made during our investigations can sometimes appear illogical to those on the outside, but I want to make it very clear, that there will always be good reason, or rationale behind them. We will always ensure that, should we identify any ongoing threat, we will manage that as part of the investigation.
"Like our adversaries, our tactics vary – and may not always be obvious.
"In this case, this decision-making has led to swifter progress, better evidence and ultimately us securing the charges I have announced today.
"While some of the circumstances remain unclear, we are confident that this activity was conducted on behalf of a foreign intelligence service."
Other Suspects on Bail
A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national, arrested on October 20 on suspicion of aiding Iran's intelligence service, has been released without charge but remains on police bail after being arrested on October 1 on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Five other men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail.
Frank Ferguson, chief Crown prosecutor for the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute two individuals with National Security Act offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into a high-profile incident involving RAF Fairford.
"We will continue to work closely with our partners as this complex investigation continues."
