Two men charged over an alleged Iran-linked plot at RAF Fairford have appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. One has been remanded in custody and the other has been bailed. The case will next be heard at the Old Bailey on 20 November.
What Happened
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both from Westminster, appeared at the court on Tuesday 27 October. Both are charged under the National Security Act 2023.
Abdulkarim is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, which police believe to be Iran. Essghir is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. The alleged offence was on 22 August, around a month before the incident at the airbase, and is described as a reconnaissance mission. Essghir confirmed his name and address from the dock. Abdulkarim, who appeared in a wheelchair, also confirmed his details.
Essghir Remanded, Abdulkarim Bailed
Essghir has been remanded in custody. Abdulkarim has been granted bail with conditions, including surrendering his passport.
Police say eight men have now been arrested in the counter-terrorism investigation. A 25-year-old UK-Iranian national, re-arrested on 20 October on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, has been released without charge. He remains on police bail over his arrest on 1 October on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
Background
Police declared a major incident on 27 September after three suspicious vans were seen near the US-operated base. Dozens of residents were evacuated and a large cordon was put up. Officers found no explosive materials in the vans but seized a quantity of petrol. Five men were arrested near the base and released on police bail the following day.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who leads National Counter Terrorism Policing, said officers had seen a range of incidents in recent months that they believe were directed by the Iranian state. Iran has previously denied any involvement in the RAF Fairford incident.
What Happens Next
Both men are due at the Old Bailey on 20 November. The investigation remains open, and the 25-year-old man released without charge remains on police bail.
This is a developing story. We will update it as more information becomes available.
