Nematollah Shahsavani, 40 of North Finchley and Alireza Farasati, 22 of Colindale have been charged with engaging in contact that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service

A lamp with 'Metropolitan Police' in white set in blue glass, outside a red brick police station building — Credit – Met Police

Two Barnet men have been charged with spying for Iran this week.

Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, who lives in Sandringham Gardens in North Finchley and Alireza Farasati, 22 of Sanday Drive, Colindale were charged on Wednesday with engaging in contact that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service.

Shahsavani is a dual Iranian/British national while Farasati, is an Iranian national.

The pair had been arrested and detained on Friday, 6th as part of an investigation in alleged surveillance of the Jewish community.

Police say they were charged with engaging in the activities between 9th July 2025 and 15th August 2025, and that the country that the investigation relates to is Iran.

They were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday (19th March).

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex investigation.

“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock to gather and assess the evidence and we have liaised closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point.

“We fully recognise that the public – and in particular the Jewish community – will be concerned but I hope this investigation reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we identify there may be a threat to their safety, and will be relentless in our pursuit of those who may be responsible.

“Counter Terrorism Policing works closely with front line officers across the country to keep communities safe. Any concerns from the public can be shared with local policing teams or via national reporting tools such as www.gov.uk/ACT”

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