Man charged with assisting Iran's intelligence service

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Man charged with assisting Iran's intelligence serviceImage source, PA MediaImage caption, The suspect has been charged with a National Security Act offence Published17 July 2026, 08:31 BSTUpdated Just nowA 39-year-old man has been charged with assisting Iran's intelligence service. Vahid Aberi, of Liverpool, is accused of the National Security Act offence following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing. He was arrested in Birmingham on Wednesday and was taken to police station in the West Midlands with detectives later carrying out searches at properties in Birmingham and Liverpool.

Aberi was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later. Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "We have seen a significant and sustained increase in the tempo of our work in national security investigations in recent years. "This case is yet another example of where we've intervened to disrupt suspected activity linked to foreign intelligence services.

"While we can't comment in detail around the allegations now that a man has been charged, I do want to reassure the public that we have not identified any direct threat to them nor any threat towards a community or individual in connection with this investigation. "Get in touchTell us which stories we should cover on Merseyside Contact form Contact formListen to the best of Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow Merseyside on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.