Iranian Spies Charged in UK Plot Targeting Journalists

London, UK – October 26, 2023 – Four individuals have been charged with plotting to carry out surveillance and harassment against UK-based journalists critical of the Iranian regime, marking a significant escalation in alleged Iranian espionage activities within the country. The charges, announced today by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), represent a serious breach of national security and raise concerns about the safety of journalists reporting on Iran.

The accused, identified as Jalal Rostamzadeh (48), Behnam Khorasani (46), Mohamoud Gharagozlou (50), and Anisa Mirbagheri (42), are alleged to have been part of a wider Iranian intelligence operation targeting dissidents and critics residing in the UK. The CPS alleges the group worked under the direction of Iranian intelligence services, using a combination of sophisticated surveillance techniques, online harassment, and intimidation tactics to silence dissenting voices.

The charges follow a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), which began in 2022. Details of the investigation have been largely kept under wraps to protect ongoing operational security and the safety of witnesses. However, the CPS statement revealed the alleged methods employed by the group included tracking journalists' movements using covert surveillance equipment, accessing their personal data through cyberattacks, and disseminating threatening or defamatory information online.

“This case demonstrates a blatant attempt by the Iranian government to intimidate and silence critics based in the UK," said Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division. "These individuals are accused of systematically targeting journalists who exercise their right to freedom of expression, a fundamental cornerstone of our democratic society. The CPS is committed to bringing those responsible to justice and protecting the safety of journalists who bravely report on issues of international significance.”

The alleged targets are understood to include a range of journalists working for both British and international media outlets. While their identities remain protected, sources suggest they have been prominent in their reporting on Iranian human rights abuses, political repression, and the country’s nuclear program. The accused are alleged to have attempted to gather intelligence on their personal lives, family members, and professional networks, possibly with the intention of further intimidation or potential physical harm.

The four individuals are currently in custody awaiting trial at the Old Bailey, London. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit acts of violence, conspiracy to commit harassment, and offences under the Terrorism Act 2000. The severity of the charges reflects the seriousness of the alleged offences and the potential threat they posed to the safety and security of journalists within the UK.

The case has heightened concerns about the activities of foreign intelligence services within the UK and the need for increased protection for journalists facing threats. The government is expected to review its security protocols in light of the revelations, and the case will likely spark a wider debate about the safety of journalists and the challenge of combating foreign interference in democratic processes. The trial is expected to begin early next year and is anticipated to last several weeks.