Two people have been arrested in London on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police announced. A 60-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were taken into custody at separate properties across the capital on Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected National Security Act offences.
Both suspects were held on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. According to Iran International, the woman was arrested in north London while the man was apprehended in northwest London. They have since been released on bail under strict conditions, with bail reported to run until late October.
The Metropolitan Police clarified that the arrests are not connected to any incidents or attacks linked to Jewish and Iranian communities across London earlier in the year. The operation follows two searches conducted at properties in north and northwest London on 24 June, according to Iran International.
What does this investigation involve?
The investigation falls under the National Security Act 2023, which gives authorities powers to investigate suspected foreign intelligence activities. This case represents part of a broader pattern of counter-terrorism work by London's police force. Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police arrested four men in a separate Iran-linked counter-terrorism investigation involving alleged surveillance of Jewish sites and people in London. That March operation subsequently led to six further arrests on suspicion of assisting an offender, though at least two of the March suspects were later released without charge.
Is there a threat to the public?
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that she understands
news of these arrests will come as a concern to some members of the publicbut emphasised that she does
not believe there to be any imminent threat to the wider public. According to Iran International, the force said it does not believe there is any imminent threat to the wider public in connection with the case.
Why is this part of a wider pattern?
Commander Flanagan noted that
We've seen a marked increase in the tempo of our work linked to national security and state threats over the past year and this investigation is a continuation of that.She added:
As we've shown here, if we suspect any activity could threaten the safety of the UK or the public, then we will not hesitate to take action.
What happens next?
The suspects remain on bail until late October, when further police action or court developments may follow. The investigation continues as part of the Metropolitan Police's ongoing work into suspected foreign intelligence activities in the UK.
