Two Men Deny Alleged Iran-Linked Surveillance of Jewish and Israeli Sites in London

Two men have pleaded not guilty to allegations that they carried out surveillance on Jewish and Israeli sites across London on behalf of Iran’s intelligence service. The case, being heard at the Old Bailey, concerns alleged hostile reconnaissance at several locations in the capital and is being prosecuted under the National Security Act 2023.

Defendants Deny National Security Charges

Nematollah Shahsavani, 41, and Alireza Farasati, 22, have denied charges alleging that they engaged in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service.

Both men entered not guilty pleas during a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday. Farasati appeared in person, while Shahsavani attended the hearing by video link from HMP Pentonville.

Prosecutors allege that the men carried out surveillance at a number of locations between 9 July and 15 August 2025.

The alleged targets included the Israeli embassy and consulate, a college, Britain’s oldest synagogue and a woman whom prosecutors say was of interest to Iran.

The allegations have raised concerns about the security of Jewish and Israeli communities in London. However, the charges remain allegations, and both defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.

Alleged Intelligence-Gathering Operation

The prosecution alleges that Shahsavani directed Farasati to monitor and gather intelligence on Jewish and Israeli communities in London.

According to the allegations, Shahsavani was acting on instructions from Iranian intelligence. Prosecutors claim that Farasati was tasked with collecting information about potential targets.

Police previously seized electronic devices from Farasati, who works as a barber, when he was stopped on 14 August 2025. The devices are understood to form part of the evidence being examined in the case.

Shahsavani, who has worked as a car salesman and delivery driver, is a dual British-Iranian national and a father of two. He has lived in the United Kingdom since 2009 and is from North Finchley, north London.

Farasati is an Iranian national who lives in Colindale, north-west London. He arrived in Britain in 2021, aged 17.

Both men were detained in March 2026 and remain in custody.

Court Sets Out Next Steps

Judge Cheema-Grubb has scheduled a further pre-trial hearing for 12 February 2027.

The full trial is due to begin at the Old Bailey on 26 April 2027, when the prosecution’s allegations will be examined in court.

The proceedings will consider whether the defendants carried out the alleged surveillance and whether their conduct amounted to an offence under the National Security Act 2023.

Until the case is concluded, the allegations against both men remain unproven.

The Daily Round-Up Says

This case highlights the importance of protecting places of worship, diplomatic premises and communities that could be vulnerable to hostile surveillance.

Jewish and Israeli communities must be able to go about their daily lives without fear of intimidation or threats to their safety. Any credible allegation of intelligence-gathering on behalf of a foreign state therefore warrants serious investigation.

At the same time, the criminal justice process must establish the facts through evidence presented in court. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and it is for the court to determine whether the prosecution can prove its case.

The next significant stage will be the trial scheduled for April 2027, when the allegations will be tested in full.