Two British men have been charged with national security offences following an incident near RAF Fairford last month, as announced by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This incident has raised significant concerns regarding national security and foreign interference.
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, from London, faces charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Specifically, he is accused under Section 3 of the Act, which criminalizes providing assistance to a foreign intelligence service. Nouman Essghir, 24, also of London, is charged with one offence of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), Essghir’s charge is linked to “suspected activity on Saturday 22 August.” He was initially arrested at the scene in Gloucestershire on Sunday 27 September and re-arrested on 20 October. Following the re-arrest of these individuals, detectives also interviewed a further man under caution.
A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national, re-arrested on the same date, has been released without charge but remains on police bail following his first arrest on Thursday 1 October. Five other men arrested during the investigation are also on police bail, highlighting the extensive nature of the inquiry.
He added, “We have seen a range of incidents in recent months that we believe have been directed by the Iranian state, and as the Director General of Mi5 said just the other week, we are working together to intervene, identify and respond to that threat.” Taylor urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, stressing that such reports can make a significant difference in countering these threats.
The CPS confirmed it will continue collaborating with partners as the investigation unfolds. Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute two individuals with National Security Act offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into a high-profile incident involving RAF Fairford. We will continue to work closely with our partners as this complex investigation continues.” Iran has denied any involvement in the incident, maintaining its stance despite the ongoing allegations.