The short version
- Mohmed Ahmad Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir face charges under the National Security Act 2023 regarding activities near RAF Fairford.
- Counter-terrorism police suspect Iranian intelligence involvement in the incident involving suspicious vans containing petrol.
- Five other men remain on bail while one individual was released without charge after being re-arrested earlier this month.
Two British nationals have been formally charged with national security offenses following a counter-terrorism investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The charges mark a significant development in the case that began with the discovery of suspicious vehicles near the US-operated airbase in late September. Both defendants, who are twenty-four years old, are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court to face allegations related to their activities around the military installation.
Mohmed Ahmad Abdulkarim, a resident of London, has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service. Counter-terrorism authorities believe this service is linked to Iran. This charge suggests that investigators have identified specific actions taken by Abdulkarim that they view as supportive of foreign state interests against UK security. The allegation places the incident within the broader context of international espionage and state-sponsored interference rather than solely domestic terrorism.
Nouman Essghir, also from London, faces a different charge under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023. He is accused of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom. Police allege this activity occurred in August, prior to the more visible incident at the airbase in September. Essghir was initially arrested at the scene near RAF Fairford on September 27 and was re-arrested on October 20 before being charged. The timeline of his alleged actions indicates a period of planning or reconnaissance preceding the main event.
The investigation originated after police observed three suspicious vans near the airbase on September 27. Officers discovered petrol inside the vehicles, prompting them to establish a large security cordon around the base that lasted for several days. The presence of fuel in the vehicles raised immediate concerns about potential arson or other destructive acts. The initial response involved significant resources as authorities sought to secure the perimeter and assess the threat level posed by the unidentified individuals.
Counter-terrorism police have stated that it is highly likely there is Iranian state involvement in the incident. This assessment elevates the case from a local security breach to a matter of international concern. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terror police, emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing nature of the investigation. The attribution to Iran adds a layer of geopolitical complexity to the proceedings, suggesting that the suspects may have been acting under direction or in coordination with foreign actors.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the decision to prosecute both individuals following a thorough review of the evidence gathered by Counter Terrorism Policing. Frank Ferguson, the chief crown prosecutor for special crime and counter-terrorism, noted that the investigation remains complex. The CPS indicated that it will continue to work closely with its partners as the case develops. This collaboration underscores the multi-agency effort required to handle cases involving national security and potential foreign intelligence links.
In total, eight men have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Five of these arrests occurred near the airbase in September. These individuals were initially detained on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. This shift in legal framing reflects the evolving understanding of the suspects' intentions and the potential severity of their planned actions.
Five men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail. Another individual, a twenty-five-year-old UK-Iranian national, was released without charge after being re-arrested last week. He remains on police bail following his first arrest earlier in the month. The release without charge indicates that while he was of interest to investigators, there was insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution at this stage. The case continues to unfold as authorities determine the full scope of the plot and the roles of all individuals involved.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Two charged with national security offences over RAF Fairford incident
- The Guardian World↗Two men charged with national security offences over RAF Fairford incident
