UK police charge man over Iran-linked spying offences
Details of the Espionage Case and Related Incidents
Background of the Accused
LONDON, July 17 (Reuters) - A British-Iranian national appeared in a London court on Friday accused of offering to help Iran's intelligence service, the latest in a series of incidents involving Tehran and offences covered under UK national security laws.
Vahid Aberi, a 39-year-old from Liverpool, northern England, allegedly approached contacts in Iran with a view to helping their intelligence agencies but failed, after which he wrote to the Iranian consulate in London last year.
Communication with Iranian Authorities
Aberi in his message referred to himself as a "humble servant" and asked how he could help his "dear compatriots", prosecutor Kristel Pous told Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Police Operation and Arrest
British authorities then deployed a "role-player" to engage with Aberi, asking him to collect a bag from London which he was told contained a drone.
Aberi was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court on Friday, when he was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on August 21.
Context: Iran’s Activities in the UK
Security Warnings and Previous Incidents
UK security officials have repeatedly warned that Iran has sought to use criminal proxies to carry out hostile activity in the country. Since the beginning of the U.S.-Iran war there have been a number of antisemitic attacks in Britain linked to Iran.
Attempted Attack on Iran International
Arson Attempt and Legal Proceedings
Also on Friday, a 21-year-old man pleaded guilty to his involvement in an attempted arson attack in April targeting Iran International, a television station which is critical of Tehran's government.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
Seeking to use new powers designed to stop the use of state-sponsored proxies, Britain banned support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier this week.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Police Statements
Police said after Aberi was charged that they had not identified any direct threat to any community or individual, but were having to intervene more frequently to disrupt suspected activity by foreign intelligence services.
Diplomatic Tensions
Last week, Britain summoned Iran's most senior diplomat over the stabbing of an Iran International journalist in London, for which two Romanians were jailed earlier this month.
In response to being called a threat to Britain, Iran's embassy in London has previously said it rejected the "unfounded, politically motivated and hostile allegations".
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sarah Young and Sam Tobin, editing by William James, Alexandra Hudson)
