UK-Based Plot Allegedly Directed by Handler Acting for Iran

Orders relayed by a handler known as ‘Ali’ allegedly sent a team of men towards RAF Fairford in vans loaded with petrol — a plan prosecutors say was orchestrated on behalf of Iran, a court has heard.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, prosecutors said one of five men instructed to drive to the Gloucestershire base contacted police in the early hours of 27 September after the organiser warned the group that a bomb had been placed in the vehicles.

Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, appeared charged under the National Security Act 2023.

Mr Abdulkarim, of London, is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service by acting as an “intermediary” for the handler known as ‘Ali’.

Mr Essghir, also of London, faces a charge of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK, linked to an alleged “reconnaissance” mission on 22 August — about a month before the Fairford incident.

Both men spoke in court only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.

Police attended the scene and located three white vans

According to the prosecution, after the vans were loaded and driven to RAF Fairford, the organiser phoned the men with instructions to park the vehicles and walk away.

Prosecutor Louise Gray told the court: “Shortly thereafter the message was received that there was a bomb in the vehicles and one of them called the police.”

Officers went to the scene.

They found three white vans and five men, who were arrested.

The court heard that no explosives, or improvised explosives, were discovered inside the vehicles.

However, police found a metal oil drum in each van — two of which contained petrol — along with hard plastic water butts and internet-enabled dashcams.

Mr Abdulkarim is alleged to have supported the organiser, ‘Ali’, who prosecutors say is believed to be abroad and acting in the interests of the Iranian state.

The court also heard that ‘Ali’ may be linked to an incident at the Israeli embassy in the UK earlier this year, when propaganda videos were posted online claiming the building had been struck by a drone deploying a chemical weapon.

RAF Fairford is used by the United States Air Force

Prosecutors allege Mr Abdulkarim helped ‘Ali’ by purchasing equipment for the operation and receiving multiple payments totalling around £70,000 (€83,000).

Before the men — said to have been enlisted by Mr Abdulkarim — set off for RAF Fairford, about £300 (€358) worth of petrol was put into drums in the back of the vans, the court heard.

Mr Essghir, who prosecutors said also knew ‘Ali’, was among those arrested near the base on 27 September, before being re-arrested on 20 October.

His charge, however, relates to separate allegations that he filmed the perimeter of RAF Fairford on 22 August at ‘Ali’s request, the court was told.

RAF Fairford is used by the United States Air Force, and heavy bombers arrived there in March after permission was granted in March for “defensive operations” in Iran.

A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national, who was also re-arrested on 20 October on suspicion of aiding Iran’s intelligence service, has been released without charge but remains on police bail after being arrested on 1 October on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.

Five other men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail.

Mr Abdulkarim, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, was granted bail under conditions including a residence requirement and surrendering his passport.

Mr Essghir was remanded in custody.

Both men are due to appear next at the Old Bailey on 20 November.

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