Man Charged Under National Security Act After West Sussex Arrest

A man arrested in West Sussex has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, a Greek national who resides in Munich, Germany, was charged on 29 May under section 3(2) of the National Security Act 2023.

Police said the allegations relate to Iran and concern the targeting of a UK-based journalist working for Iran International. Aidinidis is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 29 May. He was arrested in the West Sussex area on 16 May by Counter Terrorism Policing officers and taken to a London police station, where warrants of further detention were obtained while the investigation continued.

The Metropolitan Police said there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public in relation to the case. Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work with Persian-language media organisations and other individuals and groups in the UK to provide safety and security advice relating to threats projected into the country from Iran. Commander Helen Flanagan said support was continuing for those affected and encouraged anyone with concerns about their safety to contact police.