A British-Iranian national has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service after allegedly volunteering to spy for Iran.
Vahid Aberi, 39, of Liverpool, is accused of offering himself as a "humble servant" to his "dear compatriots" in Iran and seeking cooperation with Iranian intelligence, according to court documents. Aberi allegedly exchanged messages in Farsi with an individual he believed to be an operative of Iran's Quds Force, the overseas arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The prosecution contends that Aberi offered to travel to London to scout potential storage locations, obtain a burner phone, and collect packages from his contact. However, unbeknownst to Aberi, he was allegedly communicating with an undercover officer from UK Counter Terrorism Policing.
Aberi appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following his arrest in Birmingham. He confirmed his name and address and spoke only briefly during the seven-minute hearing, entering no plea. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on August 21.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that the UK has seen a rise in national security investigations. She indicated that this case exemplifies the disruption of suspected foreign intelligence activities. Flanagan also sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that no direct threat to the public, any community, or individuals has been identified in connection with this investigation.
The IRGC is described as a militant, Islamist organization founded to uphold the Islamic Republic of Iran's principles.