Two British citizens have been charged in connection with an alleged plot to aid Iran's intelligence service, as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected terror incident near RAF Fairford.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) confirmed that Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, from London, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today, facing charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023.
Court appearance and charges
He will appear in court alongside Nouman Essghir, 24, also from London, who faces charges of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK, having initially been detained at the scene near the Gloucestershire base on September 27 before being re-arrested on October 20.
CTP has confirmed its belief that the foreign intelligence service at the centre of the case is Iran.
Police and prosecution statements
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of national counter terrorism policing in the UK, said: "We have seen a range of incidents in recent months that we believe have been directed by the Iranian state, and as the director general of MI5 said just the other week, we are working together to intervene, identify and respond to that threat."
"The public can help us with this, and as always I would urge them to report anything that they're worried about – those reports can and do make a difference."
Other arrests and ongoing investigation
A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national, who was arrested on October 20 on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence service, has been released without charge but remains on police bail following an earlier arrest on October 1 on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
Five further 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."
