A 47-year-old Greek national has been remanded in custody in the United Kingdom after being charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service allegedly linked to Iran, according to British authorities.
The man, identified as Ioannis Aidinidis, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court facing charges under the UK’s national security legislation. Authorities allege that he was involved in surveillance activities targeting a journalist working for Iran International, a Persian-language television network based in London that is critical of the Iranian government.
According to prosecutors, the suspect traveled to the UK twice, in April and May, and allegedly photographed homes, vehicles and other locations connected to the journalist.
Investigators also claim that he placed a concealed surveillance device hidden inside a sock and attached to a tree. The device was allegedly capable of collecting and transmitting data to unknown recipients abroad.
British authorities arrested the suspect on May 16 in West Sussex as part of an operation led by London’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The accused is reported to have been born in Georgia and to have lived for a period in northern Greece with family members. He later moved to Germany, where he had been residing near Munich. According to the information available, he had not previously come to the attention of Greek authorities.
The Metropolitan Police said there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the public. Officials added that they are working closely with relevant organizations and individuals who may have been affected by the case to ensure appropriate security measures are in place.
