By our Crime Desk
TERROR cops have charged a 39-year-old man under the National Security Act following a dramatic raid linked to an alleged Iranian spy plot.
Vahid Aberi, 39, was swooped on by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) officers in Birmingham on Wednesday, July 15. Following a fast-paced investigation, authorities authorized charges against him for allegedly assisting a foreign intelligence service—specifically targeting links to Iran.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that addresses in both Birmingham and Liverpool have been searched as part of the proactive operation.
The dramatic arrest took place in the West Midlands, where Aberi was taken into custody at a local police station.
Following his arrest, specialized counter-terrorism officers executed search warrants at multiple properties across Liverpool and Birmingham to gather evidence.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) subsequently authorized the official charge under Section 3(1) and (9) of the National Security Act 2023, which strictly outlaws assisting foreign intelligence agencies.
Aberi, whose registered address is in Liverpool, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, July 17.
Key Details of the Investigation:
Suspect: Vahid Aberi (Born February 6, 1987)
Charges: Assisting a foreign intelligence service (Section 3, National Security Act 2023)
Foreign Power Involved: Iran
Locations Targeted: Birmingham and Liverpool
’Significant and Sustained’ Threat
Security bosses revealed that the arrest comes amid a massive surge in hostile state activity on British soil.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, warned that her teams are working at an unprecedented pace to disrupt foreign agents operating in the UK.
”We have seen a significant and sustained increase in the tempo of our work in national security investigations in recent years,” Commander Flanagan said.
”This case is yet another example of where we’ve intervened to disrupt suspected activity linked to foreign intelligence services.”
Despite the alarming nature of the spy probe, counter-terrorism bosses moved quickly to reassure the British public that there is no immediate danger to local neighborhoods.
Commander Flanagan added: “While we can’t comment in detail around the allegations now that a man has been charged, I do want to reassure the public that we have not identified any direct threat to them nor any threat towards a community or individual in connection with this investigation.”
The National Security Act 2023 was brought in by the government to give UK intelligence and law enforcement agencies sweeping new powers to tackle modern espionage, sabotage, and state-backed interference.
Section 3 of the Act specifically targets individuals who engage in conduct that protects, assists, or encourages the activities of a foreign intelligence service.
MI5 and Counter Terrorism Policing have repeatedly warned that nations like Iran, Russia, and China are actively trying to recruit assets, gather intelligence, and intimidate dissidents living within the United Kingdom.
