Two men have appeared in court charged with spying on a series of Israeli and Jewish sites in London for Iran.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual British-Iranian national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, were both arrested on March 6 at separate addresses.
It is alleged that the men operated on behalf of Iran between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025.
Two Farsi interpreters stood before the two men as they entered the dock at Westminster Magistrate’s Court.
Alireza appeared in the court wearing a black coat and a grey jumper. Nematollah appeared in a blue coat. Both men had full beards.
Nematollah spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
The prosecutor claimed the two men were conducting hostile surveillance on the Israeli and Jewish community.
The alleged targets include the Israeli embassy, a consulate address, Britains oldest synagogue, and an address in Colchester.
Neither man was asked to enter a plea
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PA
The initial investigation identified a further suspect, Mr Farasati, who the prosecutor said was being tasked with conducting surveillance against Israeli and Jewish sites and further possible individual targets for the Iranian intelligence services.
Mr Shahsavani arrived in Britain in 2009 and was granted leave to remain in 2018.
Neither man was asked to enter a plea, although Mr Shahsavani has previously denied the claims and Mr Farasati’s solicitor, Alphege Bell said that he would fight the charge.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded the men into custody and passed the case on to the Central Criminal Court on 17th of April for the first hearing.
Mr Shahsavani blew a kiss towards the gallery as he was led from the dock.
