Two London men charged over plot to aid Iran near RAF Fairford

Two British nationals have been charged with offences linked to a plot to assist Iran’s intelligence service near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Counter Terrorism Policing said. The men, Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir, both 24 and resident in London, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire that also serves as a forward operating base for United States Air Force aircraft. The site is frequently used for large‑scale exercises and for the annual Royal International Air Tattoo, making it a high‑profile location for security concerns.

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The charges arise from arrests made at a checkpoint close to the airbase on 27 September and a re‑arrest on 20 October. The National Security Act 2023 provides the legal basis for prosecuting individuals who aid foreign intelligence services. The case follows a series of incidents that the police have attributed to Iranian state actors.

Legal basis and next steps

The National Security Act 2023 was introduced to give law enforcement powers to intervene in activities that support hostile foreign intelligence operations. Under the Act, a person who knowingly assists a foreign service can face up to ten years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both. Prosecutors must demonstrate that the assistance was intentional and that it furthered the foreign service’s objectives.

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Abdulkarim is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, while Essghir faces a charge of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom. Both will be tried under the national security framework, and a court date has been set for their first hearing. If convicted, the maximum penalty under the Act can include up to ten years’ imprisonment.

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.

Laurence Taylor, Assistant Commissioner for national counter terrorism policing

MI5 and police collaboration

The investigation was conducted jointly by Counter Terrorism Policing and MI5. According to Assistant Commissioner Taylor, the director general of MI5 highlighted the need for coordinated action against Iranian‑state directed plots. The agencies have been monitoring communications and have used surveillance to identify the suspects before the arrests.

Other suspects remain on bail

A 25‑year‑old dual national, whose identity has not been disclosed, was initially detained on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Police said the bail conditions include reporting to a local station and restrictions on travel. The five other men, whose ages and backgrounds have not been released, are subject to similar conditions while investigations continue.

Crown prosecutor Frank Ferguson confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service will proceed with the two National Security Act cases and will maintain coordination with police and intelligence partners as the investigation develops. He added that the CPS will assess any further evidence that may lead to additional charges.

The public has been urged to report any concerns related to foreign interference. Assistant Commissioner Taylor said that community cooperation can influence outcomes, reinforcing the role of local vigilance in national security matters.

The magistrates’ court will set a trial date later in the year. Both defendants are being held on police bail pending further directions from the Crown Prosecution Service.