Two men deny spying on UK Jewish community for Iran
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:37 · Archive
A car salesman and barber have pleaded not guilty to spying on Israeli and Jewish communities in the UK on behalf of Iranian intelligence.
A car salesman and barber have pleaded not guilty to charges of spying on Israeli and Jewish communities in the UK on behalf of Iran. Nematollah Shahsavani, 41, and Alireza Farasati, 23, are accused under the National Security Act 2023 of engaging in conduct likely to assist Iranian intelligence services between 9 July and 15 August 2025.
The alleged targets included the Israeli embassy and consulate, a woman said to be of interest to Iran, a college and Britain's oldest synagogue. Shahsavani, a dual Iranian and British national from North Finchley in north London, is a car salesman and delivery driver. Farasati, an Iranian national from Colindale in north-west London, works as a barber. He is alleged to have been tasked by Shahsavani to conduct surveillance, while Shahsavani is alleged to have been receiving instructions from Iranian intelligence.
Both men appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday. Shahsavani appeared by videolink from Pentonville jail, whilst Farasati appeared in the dock. A trial is scheduled to begin on 26 April 2027, with a further pre-trial hearing set for 12 February.
How it is being reported
- Two men deny Iran-backed surveillance of Jewish and Israeli sites in LondonTargets allegedly included the Israeli embassy and consulate, a woman said to be of interest to Iran, a college, and Britain's oldest synagogue.BBC News · 9 Oct, 14:17
- Two men accused of spying for Iran deny National Security Act chargeTwo men accused of spying for Iran have pleaded not guilty to a charge under the National Security Act.Sky News · 9 Oct, 12:29
- Two men deny spying on UK Jewish community for IranTargets allegedly included the Israeli embassy and consulate, a woman said to be of interest to Iran, a college and Britain’s oldest synagogueThe Independent · 9 Oct, 12:13
In this story: Nematollah Shahsavani · Alireza Farasati · Iran · Israeli embassy · Old Bailey · UK
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