Iranian Spy Ring Uncovered in London, Targeting Opposition and Pro-Israel Journalists

An indictment was filed Tuesday in Britain against three Iranian nationals. They are accused of spying for Tehran and plotting to harm journalists who support the Iranian opposition and pro-Israel figures. Potential targets included journalists from the Iran International channel and Jonathan Turner, one of the founders of British Lawyers for Israel. 

According to the indictment, the Iranian cell’s goal was to “silence and deter voices critical of the regime.” Prosecutors at Woolwich Crown Court said that 41-year-old Mostafa Sefahvand was recruited to carry out the attack. At the same time, 46-year-old Farhad Mansh and 57-year-old Shapour Nouri ran a network of surveillance, photography, and advance reconnaissance.

British media reported that Sefahvand does not deny his involvement, but argued in his defense that he acted out of fear of the consequences of refusing the order. The prosecution rejected the claim, calling it “fabricated.” It said his real motive was money and his desire to overturn a previous criminal conviction for theft in Iran.

It was also revealed that one of the key journalists targeted was Mojtaba Pourmohsen. A briefing document found on Sefahvand’s mobile phone included photographs of him, his workplace and a hotel where he had stayed. According to the evidence, Nouri was recorded photographing Pourmohsen’s apartment building in December 2024 in Brentford, southwest London.

The three defendants arrived in Britain between 2016 and 2022 and were granted temporary status after filing asylum applications.