Two Iranian men found guilty of assisting Tehran’s plot to target UK journalists

Two Iranian men have been found guilty of assisting Tehran’s intelligence services by conducting surveillance on targets in the UK as part of a plot to eliminate dissidents. The case involving the two Iranian men highlights a growing trend where foreign states hire proxies to carry out hostile acts on British soil. Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, and Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Sepahvand was also convicted of preparatory conduct, while Manesh was cleared of that specific charge. A third man, Shapoor Noori, was acquitted of all charges.

Between August 2024 and March last year, the defendants performed reconnaissance on several high-profile individuals, including Mojtaba Pourmohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, both journalists for the London-based Persian broadcaster Iran International. The group also targeted Jonathan Turner, a founder of UK Lawyers for Israel. Prosecutors stated that the Iranian regime views Iran International as a significant threat due to its editorial stance and support for opposition groups. The defendants used digital tools, including ChatGPT, to research addresses and movements, often communicating with handlers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Two men were convicted of conducting surveillance on UK targets to assist Iranian intelligence operations.

The scope of the plot

Evidence presented in court revealed that Sepahvand sought a payment of £150,000 to carry out a violent attack, specifically mentioning a desire to “finish off” Pourmohsen. Voice notes recorded Sepahvand confirming he was prepared to escalate from surveillance to physical violence. The impact on victims was severe; Kambiz Hosseini was forced to abandon his home and career as a comedian after receiving threats, including a message warning that his car would explode. His family members in Iran also faced intimidation, forcing them to flee the country.

The defendants arrived in the UK illegally between 2016 and 2022, utilizing routes such as small boats and the back of a lorry. During the trial, the men offered various defenses, with Sepahvand claiming he never intended to commit violence and Manesh arguing he photographed the Iran International office simply because he found the building beautiful. Prosecutors noted that this case mirrors other recent incidents where foreign powers, including Russia, have recruited individuals to perform arson or surveillance in the UK.

Why it matters

The convictions underscore the persistent threat posed by foreign state-sponsored activities against dissidents living in the UK. By utilizing hired proxies who may have little knowledge of the full scope of their assignments, hostile regimes are increasingly able to project power and intimidation across borders, forcing journalists and activists to live under constant security threats.