Counter-terrorism officers detain pair under National Security Act after earlier property searches; authorities say no imminent public threat.
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a man and a woman in London on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police said.
A 60-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were detained on Wednesday at addresses in north and north-west London as part of an investigation into suspected offences under the National Security Act 2023. Both were held on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under Section 3 of the Act. Police confirmed the investigation is linked to Iran.
Two Arrested in UK National Security Probe:
The arrests followed two searches carried out on 24 June at residential properties in the same areas of the capital. Enquiries continued after those searches, leading to the detentions this week. A third property in north-west London was also searched on 9 September following the arrests.
The pair were taken to a London police station and later released on bail under strict conditions until a date in late October.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the force was aware the news might cause public concern but stressed there was no imminent threat to the wider public.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in the tempo of our work linked to national security and state threats over the past year and this investigation is a continuation of that,” Flanagan said. “As we’ve shown here, if we suspect any activity could threaten the safety of the UK or the public, then we will not hesitate to take action.”
UK Raises Alarm Over Iranian-Linked Threats:
Police emphasised that the investigation is not connected to earlier incidents this year targeting venues and buildings linked to Jewish and Iranian communities in London, nor to any activity or events associated with the Jewish High Holy Days period.
The arrests come amid heightened UK concerns over Iranian-linked activity. British authorities have previously charged individuals under the same National Security Act legislation in separate cases involving alleged surveillance and assistance to Iranian intelligence. Officials have repeatedly warned of the growing challenge posed by state-linked threats.