Two men charged with National Security Act offence
Frank Ferguson, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have decided to prosecute two men for an offence under the National Security Act.
“Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, have each been charged with engaging in conduct that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025, contrary to section 3 (2) of the National Security Act 2023.
“The charge relates to carrying out activities in the UK such as gathering information and undertaking reconnaissance of targets. The country to which the charge relates is Iran.
“We have worked closely with the Counter Terrorism Command at the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation.
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- Nematollah Shahsavani [DOB: 17/05/1985], is of North Finchley, north London.
- Alireza Farasati, [DOB: 22/11/2003], is of Edgware, northwest London.
- Both defendants are charged with engaging in conduct between 9 July 2025 and 15 August 2025 that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, namely gathering information and undertaking reconnaissance of targets and knew or ought to have reasonably known that their conduct was likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, contrary to section 3 (2) National Security Act 2023.
- They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 March 2026.