Two charged over alleged Iranian intelligence plot at RAF Fairford base
Two men charged under UK National Security Act over alleged attempt to assist Iranian intelligence at RAF Fairford military base.
Two men appeared in a London court charged under the UK's National Security Act. UK citizen Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, faces charges for materially assisting a foreign intelligence service between August 31 and September 28.
Dual UK-Iranian citizen Nouman Essghir, 24, is charged with entering a prohibited place for a prejudicial purpose. Prosecutors say Abdulkarim arranged for five men to drive three vans to the base carrying about 300 pounds of petrol in drums.
One man was told there was a bomb in a van and called emergency services; police arrived shortly after. Essghir conducted reconnaissance of the base in August on instructions from a man called Ali and was in one of the vans.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the activity was likely coordinated in Iran. The Iranian ambassador denied this.
US bombers were withdrawn from RAF Fairford on security grounds after the incident.
- September 27, early hours
- Date of arrest
- Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24; Nouman Essghir, 24
- Two charged
- About 300 pounds in drums
- Petrol transported
- RAF Fairford, southwest England
- Location
Why it mattersReveals alleged coordinated foreign intelligence attempt against allied military infrastructure during escalating US-Iran tensions.
AustraliaAustralia's security alignment with US and UK means it monitors such threats; shows international coordination risks for allied nations.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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