UK Sanctions Iran-Linked Individuals Over Attack Plots, Finance Operations
Britain Imposes Sanctions on Iranian-Linked Entities and Individuals
Overview of Sanctions and Accusations
LONDON, May 11 (Reuters) - Britain on Monday sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of involvement in hostile activity including plotting attacks and providing financial services to groups seeking to destabilise the UK and other countries.
Targeted Groups and Individuals
Those targeted by the sanctions include alleged members and associates of what the British government described as the Zindashti criminal network, as well as several exchange houses and financial operators.
Nature of Hostile Activities
The government said the network was involved in Iranian-backed hostile activity, including threatening, planning or conducting attacks against people and assets in Britain and elsewhere.
Iran's Response
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks or plots in the UK and other countries.
Details of Sanctions and Measures
Sanctioned Individuals and Their Roles
According to the notice, some individuals were sanctioned for directly participating in hostile acts, while others were accused of providing financial services or other material support to facilitate such activity.
Types of Sanctions Imposed
The measures, set out in a government sanctions notice, include asset freezes, travel bans and director disqualification orders.
Financial Operations and Impact
Britain said the financial entities sanctioned had provided services to individuals and groups linked to destabilising activity, allowing networks connected to Iran to move and access funds despite international restrictions.
Recent Incidents and Security Concerns
Arson Attacks and Police Investigations
Last month, police said they were investigating possible Iran links to a recent series of arson attacks on Jewish targets in London, which prompted counter-terrorism inquiries and warnings about hostile activity by Tehran or groups acting on its behalf.
National Security Response
The UK raised its national terrorism threat level to "severe", the second-highest rating, with police and ministers warning of an elevated risk of attacks and growing concern about hostile activity linked to foreign states, including Iran.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, editing by William James)
