Two British men accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service in connection with an Iran-linked incident near a Royal Air Force base appeared in a London court on October 27, 2026, after being re-arrested under the National Security Act 2023, the BBC reported.
Westminster Magistrates Court Appearance
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, appeared in a wheelchair wearing a checkered shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Abdulkarim, a resident of Westminster, confirmed his name and address before facing a charge of assisting a foreign intelligence service, an agency police have previously linked to Iran. District Judge Paul Goldspring granted Abdulkarim bail on the condition that he surrender his passport. Co-defendant Numan Esgil, 24, also of Westminster, stood in the dock wearing a gray sweatshirt to confirm his name and address. Esgil remained in custody following the hearing. Both men were charged under the 2023 National Security Act. The court scheduled their next appearance for November 20 at the Old Bailey.
RAF Fairford Security Incident
The charges stem from an incident on September 27 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, an operational base used by the United States Air Force. Police declared a major incident after three suspicious vans were spotted near the perimeter, prompting dozens of local residents to evacuate and triggering a large security cordon. Officers searched the vehicles and recovered gasoline, though no explosives were located. Court proceedings revealed that a van bearing a “Fuel2You” logo approached the base early that morning before encountering a Ministry of Defence police blockade and turning away. Police rushed to the scene and arrested five men under the Explosive Substances Act. Authorities later stated that one of the suspects contacted police to explain the situation.
Two Men Charged Under National Security Act Over RAF Fairford Incident Linked to IranTwo British men from London have been charged under the National Security Act following an investigation into activity near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire last month, police and prosecutors… pic.twitter.com/T59DJkDcI2
Esgil was among the initial five men arrested near the base, with investigators later adding preparation of terrorist acts to his suspected offenses. All five men were released on bail the following day. Esgil was re-arrested on October 20. On the same day, counter-terrorism police re-arrested a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. That individual was released without being charged, though his bail relating to the original preparation of terrorist acts continued. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terrorism policing, defended the decision-making process behind the bails. Taylor acknowledged that the handling of suspects might sometimes appear illogical to the public, but insisted there was always a sound rationale that ultimately allowed investigators to secure stronger evidence and bring charges. Donald Trump publicly criticized the initial releases during his presidency, stating he was surprised and that US authorities would not have freed the suspects.
Iran Intelligence Involvement
Counter-terrorism police have confirmed investigating multiple incidents in recent months directed by the Iranian government, according to Taylor. Tehran has consistently denied involvement in the RAF Fairford security breach. The airbase has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, the US military has deployed B-1 and B-52 bombers to the Middle East from the Gloucestershire base, after seeking and receiving British permission to use the facility for defensive operations against Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the RAF Fairford security incident occur?
The security incident took place on September 27, when three suspicious vans were spotted near the perimeter of the Gloucestershire air base, prompting a major emergency response and local evacuations.
What specific charges do the defendants face?
Mohmed Abdulkarim and Numan Esgil are both charged under the National Security Act 2023 with assisting a foreign intelligence service, which police attribute to Iran. Esgil also faces an additional count of preparing terrorist acts.
When is the next court date for the defendants?
The two men are scheduled to appear next at the Central Criminal Court in London, commonly known as the Old Bailey, on November 20.