A 46-year-old Greek national has appeared before a London court after being charged with conducting surveillance on a journalist working for Iran International, a UK-based television network
critical of the Iranian government.
Ioannis Aidinidis, who was born in Georgia and currently lives in Munich, Germany, was arrested on May 16 and faces charges under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act. British authorities believe his activities were carried out on behalf of Iran.
During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, prosecutor Daniel Ingham alleged that Aidinidis travelled to Britain twice, in April and May, to monitor the journalist. According to prosecutors, he photographed vehicles, homes and addresses linked to the reporter.
The court also heard that during his second visit, Aidinidis allegedly installed a concealed camera hidden inside a sock and placed it in a tree. Investigators say the device was capable of transmitting data to unknown recipients.
Prosecutors further claimed that messages found on Aidinidis’ mobile phone suggested he was receiving financial support from individuals based overseas. Separate evidence reportedly indicates that he conducted surveillance on a defence company in Italy between his two trips to the UK.
Police said they believe the surveillance activities were carried out on behalf of Iran. Aidinidis was not required to enter a plea at this stage of the proceedings and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear in court again on June 19.
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in alleged attacks, plots or surveillance operations in Britain.
Following the hearing, Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing in London, acknowledged concerns the case may raise, particularly among journalists working in Persian-language media. She said police are continuing to provide safety and security advice to organisations and individuals who may be at risk, including those connected to the current investigation.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of suspected Iranian-linked activities in the UK. In April, three people were charged over an attempted arson attack on premises associated with Iran International in northwest London. The incident caused no injuries or damage.
British investigators have also examined possible Iranian connections to that case, as well as a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in London. A pro-Iranian group known as Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya has claimed responsibility for several of those incidents. Photo by GrimsbyT, Wikimedia commons.
