By Grâçia Ada Obi
A Greek national has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, believed to be Iran, over the targeting of a UK-based journalist.
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who lives in Munich, Germany, was charged on Friday 28 May, 2026 with the offence under the National Security Act following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, Scotland Yard said.
The Metropolitan Police said the country to which the allegations relate is believed to be Iran and the allegations relate to the targeting of a UK-based journalist working for Iran International.
Aidinidis is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later.
He was arrested in the West Sussex area on May 16 by detectives from CTP London, supported by officers from CTP South East.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: “We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media.
“We continue to work closely with a number of organisations and individuals to provide them with advice and support around their safety and security, and this includes the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation.
“If anyone has concerns around their safety then they can contact their local police force and further advice and support can be provided.”
Police said Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work with Persian-language media organizations and others in Britain over threats projected into the UK from Iran.
The case comes amid continued security concerns around Iran International and its staff in Britain.
In a separate case, three people were charged in April over an alleged attempted arson attack on premises linked to the broadcaster in northwest London. Police said that incident caused no damage or injuries.
Two Romanian men are also on trial in London over the 2024 stabbing of Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati near his home in Wimbledon. British prosecutors have told the court the attack was ordered by a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state. Tehran has denied involvement.
