Second man released without charge in Iran ‘spy’ investigation
Two suspects remain in custody while others are released as police investigate spying links
Last updated 16th Mar 2026
A second man has been released without charge after four men were arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community.
The Metropolitan Police said on Monday that the 52-year-old, who was arrested in Watford, had been released without charge on Sunday.
Of the remaining three, a 55-year-old man who was arrested in Barnet has also been released without charge while two other suspects, aged 22 and 40, remain in custody.
Investigators have permission to hold them in police custody until March 20.
The group were arrested on March 6 under the National Security Act as part of an investigation into “suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area”.
As part of the operation, another six people, men aged between 20 and 49, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, with one further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
All six have been released on bail to dates in May and June pending further inquiries.