Two Arrested in London Over Suspected Links to Iranian Intelligence

Two people have been arrested in London on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man were detained by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London at separate addresses in the capital. The arrests form part of an investigation into suspected offences under the National Security Act 2023.

The investigation is focused on suspected assistance to a foreign intelligence service. Under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, assisting a foreign intelligence service can constitute a criminal offence.

Police previously carried out searches at two residential addresses in north-west London on 24 June as part of the same Iran-linked investigation. A further property in the area was searched on 9 September following the arrests.

The two suspects were taken to a London police station for questioning and have since been released on bail under strict conditions until a date in October.

The Metropolitan Police said the investigation is not connected to recent attacks or incidents targeting venues and buildings associated with Jewish and Iranian communities in London.

Counter Terrorism Policing London Commander Helen Flanagan said there is no imminent threat to the wider public connected with the investigation.

Police said the case forms part of an increased focus on national security and suspected hostile activity linked to foreign states.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspects have not been charged with an offence at this stage.