Ten arrested in London counter-terrorism investigation linked to alleged Iranian spying
Counter-terrorism police have arrested ten men in north London and Hertfordshire as part of an investigation into suspected spying activities linked to Iran and surveillance of individuals and locations connected to the Jewish community.
Four men were arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, specifically Iran, the Metropolitan Police said. The arrests followed a pre-planned operation carried out at around 1am on Friday.
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Police said the investigation relates to suspected surveillance activity targeting locations and individuals associated with the Jewish community in the London area.
The four men arrested under suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service include a 40-year-old and a 55-year-old man detained in Barnet, a 52-year-old man arrested in Watford and a 22-year-old man arrested in Harrow. Officers said one of the suspects is an Iranian national while three are dual British-Iranian nationals.
Searches were continuing at addresses in Barnet, Wembley and other locations connected to the investigation.
A further six men were arrested in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. The group includes men aged 29, 39, 42 and 49, along with two men aged 20. Police said one of those detained was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
All ten men were taken into custody and remain in detention while enquiries continue.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests formed part of a wider investigation into suspected hostile activity.
“Today’s arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it,” she said.
She added that officers were aware the investigation may cause concern within the Jewish community.
“We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them then to contact us.”
Counter-terrorism officers said enquiries remain ongoing as searches continue at several properties connected to the investigation.
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