Two Iranian men have been found guilty of conducting espionage activities against journalists in the UK, a significant case illustrating the reach of Iran’s intelligence services beyond its borders. Mostafa Sepahvand and Farhad Javadi Manesh, convicted at Woolwich Crown Court under the National Security Act 2023, were implicated in surveillance operations on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting journalists in London, including those associated with Iran International, a broadcaster often critical of Tehran.
The charges were part of a complex narrative that unfolded over a six-week trial. The court was presented with a plethora of evidence, including photographs, videos, text communications, and online searches. This data chronicled a meticulous operation that followed journalists, specifically Mojtaba Pourmohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, as well as a lawyer and a media production professional, documenting their daily movements between home and work. Sepahvand acted as a coordinator, liaising with Iranian handlers, while Manesh provided a steady stream of intelligence, hoping to be compensated significantly for their actions. During the trial, it was revealed that Sepahvand had claimed reassurances regarding a theft conviction in Iran, alongside a promised payment of £150,000 (JURIST).
Authorities have emphasized the potentially violent repercussions had the espionage not been intercepted. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans noted that the police intervention potentially thwarted physical harm to individuals within the UK. The scope of the charges against Sepahvand extended beyond espionage to include serious violence facilitation plans, whereas Manesh was acquitted of these additional charges. A third individual, Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, was cleared of all allegations, pointing to the complex legal landscape surrounding national security and international espionage.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed relief over the convictions, viewing this case as part of a broader strategy by the Iranian government to intimidate journalists globally, particularly those working in exile. The outcomes resonate with ongoing concerns regarding journalistic safety amid increasing threats posed by authoritarian regimes, bringing the persistent challenge of international counter-espionage efforts into sharp focus. The scheduled sentencing on December 17, 2026, is expected to set a precedent regarding consequences for such activities (BBC).