PROSECUTORS CHARGE TWO MEN OVER RAF FAIRFORD INVESTIGATION

British prosecutors have charged Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir with offences under the National Security Act 2023 following an investigation involving RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges on Tuesday, 27 October. Counter Terrorism Policing said Abdulkarim, of London, faces a charge of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Essghir, also of London, faces a charge of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Both men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Police initially arrested Essghir near RAF Fairford on 27 September and arrested him again on 20 October. Counter Terrorism Policing said it believes the foreign intelligence service involved is Iran’s. The United States has used RAF Fairford to launch strikes against Iran. Police also arrested a dual UK-Iranian national on 20 October on suspicion of aiding Iran’s intelligence service. Officers released that person without charge over that allegation, but they remain on police bail following an earlier arrest on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

Five other men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter terrorism policing, said officers had seen “a range of incidents in recent months that we believe have been directed by the Iranian state”. Taylor urged the public to report concerns, saying such reports “can and do make a difference”. Frank Ferguson, chief Crown prosecutor for the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners as this complex investigation continues.”