Police say investigation remains ongoing as authorities step up counterintelligence efforts
LONDON: British police on Friday charged a 39-year-old man with offences under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act, alleging that he assisted Iran’s intelligence service. Authorities identified the suspect as Vahid Aberi, from Liverpool, who is due to appear before a London court.
Police said Aberi was taken into custody at a police station in central England, while officers also carried out searches at addresses in Liverpool and Birmingham as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to the Metropolitan Police, investigators have not identified any direct threat to specific individuals or communities. However, officials said they continue to intervene more frequently to disrupt suspected activities linked to foreign intelligence services operating in the UK.
Authorities cite growing national security concerns
Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing in London, said national security investigations have increased significantly in recent years, prompting authorities to intensify efforts against suspected foreign state activity.
The case comes shortly after the UK government introduced new measures targeting state-sponsored proxy activities. Earlier this week, Britain announced a ban on support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), citing national security concerns.
British security officials have previously alleged that Iran has sought to use criminal proxies to conduct hostile activities in the country. Iranian authorities have consistently denied those allegations.
Iran rejects accusations
Meanwhile, the latest charges follow a series of diplomatic tensions between London and Tehran. Last week, Britain summoned Iran’s most senior diplomat after the conviction of two Romanian nationals over the stabbing of an Iranian journalist in London.
In response to previous accusations, the Iranian Embassy in London rejected allegations that Iran poses a threat to Britain, describing them as politically motivated and without factual basis.
The investigation into Aberi remains ongoing, and police said further inquiries will continue as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the case. Under the UK legal system, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
