Two Iranian men who arrived in the UK by small boats have been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, in connection with an alleged bomb plot targeting the Jewish community.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20, and were both charged on Friday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.
The charges are contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. CTP said it is alleged the two men were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot.
Arrival and arrests
Ahmadyan and Salehi arrived via small boat in 2020 and 2023, it is understood. One was granted asylum, and the other has a live asylum claim.
Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. They were arrested shortly before the start of Yom Kippur, which ran from sundown on September 20 to nightfall on September 21 and is widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
According to CTP, the men are accused of getting instructions to make a chlorine bomb. It is also alleged they acquired liquids, components and equipment required to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device.
Allegations and investigation
They are also accused of using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets, and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.
As part of the investigation, searches at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, were carried out.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors.
“Two suspects have been charged with planning a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in Manchester.
“This news will be deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
“I know this will be especially true in Manchester, as we mark one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.
“The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country. While numbers are down, I know there is more we must do.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case. But I can say that we will be unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities, root out antisemitism in this country, and maintain our border security.
“It is no secret that this country faces a range of serious threats from the Iranian regime.
“They target our Jewish communities and try to silence their critics overseas, often through proxies and criminal networks to hide their involvement.
“The Prime Minister has been clear there are strong indications of Iran’s involvement in the events near RAF Fairford.
“We are responding to these threats with new powers and record funding to disrupt hostile activity.
“I’m grateful to our police and intelligence agencies for the exceptional work they do every day to keep us safe.”
Police response
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for CTP, said: “These are extremely serious charges and allegations, and have come about from a joint CTP investigation, working closely with our partners in the security services.
“This investigation has led to the disruption of what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.
“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as always, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns.
“I’m aware that the news of this alleged plot coming during the High Holy day period has caused a great deal of concern to the Jewish community, as well as with the wider public.
“It also coincides with the anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack last year at Heaton Park synagogue and comes in a wider context of increasing antisemitic incidents across the UK, so we are very aware that this will likely increase what were already heightened concerns amongst the Jewish community.
“This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran.
“While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that CTP, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts.
“I hope that our actions in this case show that CTP are working proactively and that we will act swiftly whenever we suspect there to be a threat to the public in order to keep them safe.
“CTP has been supported by colleagues in the North West, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police during this investigation and we continue to work with those colleagues as some inquiries continue.
“CTP is also working closely with police forces across the country to provide specialist protective security advice and support for areas with Jewish communities to help keep them safe.
“Finally, I would like to thank the public – particularly those in affected areas in Manchester and Liverpool – for their support while this investigation has been ongoing.
“As ever, I urge the public to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns then do not hesitate to act, and contact police.”
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “We know how concerning this news will be to Jewish communities in Greater Manchester, and beyond.
“We know this is particularly acute on the calendar anniversary of last year’s terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue, and during the Jewish High Holy days.
“We continue to work hand in glove locally with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and our local policing teams, and nationally with Counter Terrorism Police London which have been leading this investigation.
“Our ongoing and robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure, and the public can expect to see continued visibility with officers providing engagement and security.”
