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By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
A London resident has been arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of carrying out espionage activities on behalf of Iran after allegedly conducting surveillance of the United Kingdom’s strategic RAF Akrotiri air base and passing intelligence to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 44-year-old Rashad Sultanov, a British Azerbaijani national, was detained by Cypriot authorities on July 17. British prosecutors have authorised charges under the National Security Act and are seeking his extradition to the United Kingdom.
According to investigators, Sultanov is accused of conducting what police described as “hostile surveillance” of RAF Akrotiri during May and June 2025 before allegedly transmitting information to the IRGC.
The investigation has been led by London’s Counter Terrorism Command, which says the case demonstrates the expanding use of Britain’s national security legislation to counter hostile state activity beyond the country’s borders.
Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said the investigation highlights Britain’s determination to protect its military assets from foreign intelligence operations.
“This case shows we can use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity,” she said.
British media reported that Sultanov lives in London and works as a taxi driver, although police have not commented on those reports.
Strategic importance of RAF Akrotiri
RAF Akrotiri is one of Britain’s most important overseas military installations and serves as the Royal Air Force’s principal operational base in the Middle East.
Located on Cyprus, the base has played a central role in numerous British military operations over the past decade, including air campaigns against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, as well as more recent strikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.
The installation has also become increasingly significant as regional tensions involving Iran have intensified.
Earlier this year, RAF Akrotiri was reportedly struck by an Iranian made drone during the early stages of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, further underlining its strategic importance.
Growing concerns over Iranian activities
The arrest comes amid increasing concern across Europe regarding alleged Iranian intelligence operations and activities carried out through proxy networks.
Earlier this month, the United Kingdom formally banned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, describing the organisation as a threat to national security.
British intelligence officials have warned that Iran backed networks have become increasingly active across Europe, targeting military infrastructure, Jewish communities and individuals considered opponents of the Iranian government.
The allegations surrounding RAF Akrotiri are likely to reinforce those concerns and may lead to additional security measures at British military facilities both at home and overseas.
Britain’s sovereign bases on Cyprus
The United Kingdom retained sovereignty over RAF Akrotiri and the nearby base at Dhekelia when Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960.
Together, the two Sovereign Base Areas remain among Britain’s most strategically valuable overseas territories, providing a key military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and supporting operations across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.
The current investigation centres on allegations that one of those vital military installations became the target of an intelligence gathering operation linked to Iran, underscoring the continuing importance of counter espionage efforts as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
British authorities have not disclosed when extradition proceedings are expected to begin, while the investigation remains ongoing.