Greek national charged in London with espionage for Iran

Ioannis Aidinidis, a 46-year-old Greek national residing in Munich, has been charged in London under the UK's National Security Act 2023. British counter-terrorism police arrested him on May 16 in West Sussex, alleging he assisted a foreign intelligence service linked to Iran. Authorities state the investigation centers on the targeting of a journalist employed by Iran International, a London-based broadcaster critical of the Iranian government. The accused appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face charges related to his activities. Police confirmed that they do not believe there is a wider threat to the public, although they remain in contact with Persian-language media organizations regarding security concerns. This case follows previous incidents involving Iran International, including an attempted arson attack in April. Official sources clarify that detention warrants were extended to allow for a thorough investigation before the formal charges were filed on May 30.