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A man from the UK has been detained on allegations of spying at a British military installation in Cyprus, reportedly acting on behalf of Iran’s military forces. Rashad Sultanov, aged 44, residing in Islington, north London, stands accused of conducting “hostile surveillance” activities targeting RAF Akrotiri and passing on sensitive information to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Sultanov, who also holds citizenship in Azerbaijan, was apprehended by Cypriot authorities on July 17 and remains in custody as extradition procedures are underway. This case marks a significant development, as the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that he will face charges under the National Security Act, highlighting it as the first investigation of its kind under the 2023 legislation within an overseas British territory.
RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus has been a permanent UK military base since the 1950s and has recently been instrumental in operations designed to counter Iranian missile and drone threats. The surveillance activities attributed to Sultanov allegedly took place over the period between May 11, 2025, and June 22, 2025, with the inquiry being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who heads Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized the ability to apply national security laws internationally in defending British military interests. She said, “This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity.” She also highlighted the extensive collaborative efforts between British and Cypriot law enforcement, adding, “We continue to work with colleagues from the CPS, National Crime Agency and Cypriot authorities as extradition proceedings progress.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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