UK charges two men over alleged plot to assist Iran after RAF Fairford incident

Charges and court appearance

Counter Terrorism Policing said Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, of London, is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023 and will appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday. He will appear alongside Nouman Essghir, 24, also of London, who is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.

Essghir was initially arrested at the scene near the Gloucestershire base on 27 September and then re-arrested on 20 October, according to CTP. The force said it believed the foreign intelligence service involved in the case was Iran's.

Investigation context

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of national counter-terrorism policing, said there had been a range of incidents in recent months believed to have been directed by the Iranian state. He urged the public to report anything they are worried about.

A 25-year-old UK-Iranian dual national arrested on 20 October on suspicion of aiding Iran's intelligence service has been released without charge but remains on police bail after an earlier arrest on 1 October on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Five other men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail.

Prosecution decision

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to prosecute two individuals with National Security Act offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into a high-profile incident involving RAF Fairford. He said prosecutors would continue to work closely with partners as the complex investigation continues.