Vahid Aberi, a 39-year-old man from Liverpool, has been charged with assisting Iran's intelligence service following his arrest in Birmingham. He was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 17, after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing.
Arrest and Charges
Aberi was arrested on Wednesday, July 15, in the Birmingham area on suspicion of an offence under section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing took him to a West Midlands police station and conducted searches at addresses in Birmingham and Liverpool.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 3(1) and (9) of the National Security Act 2023. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the foreign intelligence service involved was that of Iran.
Police Statement
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: “We have seen a significant and sustained increase in the tempo of our work in national security investigations in recent years. This case is yet another example of where we’ve intervened to disrupt suspected activity linked to foreign intelligence services. While we can’t comment in detail around the allegations now that a man has been charged, I do want to reassure the public that we have not identified any direct threat to them nor any threat towards a community or individual in connection with this investigation.”
Background and Context
The arrest and charges come amid heightened national security concerns in the UK, with Counter Terrorism Policing reporting a marked increase in investigations related to foreign intelligence activities. The National Security Act 2023, under which Aberi is charged, was introduced to strengthen legal powers against espionage and foreign interference.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged assistance, but the case highlights ongoing efforts to counter threats from state actors. The investigation remains active, and no direct threat to the public has been identified.
