Two men have appeared before a London court facing allegations that they carried out surveillance on Jewish and Israeli-linked locations in the United Kingdom on behalf of Iranian intelligence. The case, heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, centers on claims that the pair gathered information on potential targets across London during 2025 and early 2026.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, who holds both British and Iranian citizenship, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, are charged under the UK’s National Security Act. Prosecutors say their actions were intended to assist a foreign intelligence service, identified as Iran’s intelligence apparatus. The charges relate to alleged activities conducted between July and August 2025, with additional claims tied to February 2026.
According to the prosecution, the two men carried out reconnaissance on a range of sites connected to the Jewish community and Israeli interests. These locations reportedly included London’s oldest synagogue, a Jewish community center, an educational campus, and organizations involved in providing security guidance to Jewish communities. The Israeli embassy and consulate were also listed among the alleged targets. In addition, the court heard that the men attempted to gather information about a woman living in Colchester.
Authorities stated that electronic devices seized during the investigation contained lists of locations of interest. Prosecutors argued that Shahsavani had traveled to Iran in 2025 and, upon returning to the UK, may have been acting under direction from Iranian intelligence. It is further alleged that he recruited or instructed Farasati to assist with the surveillance work.
Both men were arrested on March 6 as part of a wider counterterrorism investigation in north London. While four individuals were initially detained, two were later released without charge. During the court hearing, neither Shahsavani nor Farasati entered a plea. They spoke only briefly through an interpreter to confirm their identities. The judge ordered that both remain in custody until their next appearance at the Old Bailey on April 17.
The case emerges amid broader concerns among UK authorities regarding alleged Iranian activities on British soil. Security officials have previously warned of multiple plots linked to Iran, with the head of MI5 stating in late 2025 that more than 20 such threats had been identified within a year. These developments have contributed to ongoing debates in Parliament about how to respond to Iran’s actions, including calls to formally designate parts of its security structure as terrorist organizations.
The situation has also heightened anxiety within Britain’s Jewish community. Community leaders and law enforcement agencies have pointed to a rise in antisemitic incidents, as well as fears of targeted violence. Police officials emphasized that the investigation demonstrates a commitment to addressing threats and protecting vulnerable groups.
The timing of the case is also tied to a tense international backdrop, including ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. Recent protests and political demonstrations in London linked to Middle Eastern tensions have led to arrests and government interventions, reflecting a charged domestic atmosphere.
As the legal process moves forward, the court will examine the extent of the defendants’ alleged connections to Iranian intelligence and the nature of the surveillance activities. The outcome may carry wider implications for national security policy and the UK’s approach to foreign interference.
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