Two men deny spying on UK Jewish and Israeli targets for Iran

Two men, Nematollah Shahsavani and Alireza Farasati, have pleaded not guilty to charges of spying on the Israeli and Jewish communities in the United Kingdom on behalf of Iranian intelligence services.

Shahsavani, a 41-year-old dual Iranian-British national, and Farasati, a 23-year-old Iranian national, appeared at the Old Bailey. They are charged under the National Security Act 2023 with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service. The prosecution alleges that between July and August 2025, the pair conducted an extensive surveillance program. This included gathering information, performing reconnaissance, and collecting audio and visual data near the Israeli embassy and consulate, a synagogue, a college, and a woman of interest to Iran.

Defense lawyers for both men have denied the allegations. Shahsavani’s counsel argued that his client has a legitimate business history in London and that there is no proven link to Iranian intelligence. Farasati’s defense maintained that his client was improperly associated with intelligence operations simply for being near the embassy. A trial is scheduled to begin at the Old Bailey on April 26, 2027.