Police in the UK have arrested ten men as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into suspected Iranian intelligence activity targeting the Jewish community in the London area.
Officers from Metropolitan Police confirmed that four men were detained on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, specifically Iran, following a pre-planned operation carried out early on Friday.
The men — one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian citizens — were arrested at addresses in Barnet and Watford.
According to police, the investigation concerns alleged surveillance of locations and individuals connected to the Jewish community in London.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests were part of a long-running investigation.
“Today’s arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.”
She also addressed concerns among local residents and the Jewish community.
“We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.”
The arrests took place at around 1am during coordinated police raids.
A 40-year-old and a 55-year-old man were detained in the Barnet area, while a 52-year-old man was arrested in Watford and a 22-year-old man was arrested in Harrow.
Police said searches are continuing at several properties in Barnet and Wembley.
Six further men — aged 20, 20, 29, 39, 42 and 49 — were arrested in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. One of those suspects was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
All ten men remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
The operation highlights growing concerns in the UK about foreign intelligence activity targeting communities and individuals linked to international conflicts.