Islington man arrested in Cyprus in first overseas National Security Act case

Rashad Sultanov, a 44-year-old dual UK and Azerbaijani national residing in Islington, has been arrested in Cyprus, marking the first overseas investigation using the National Security Act.

Cypriot authorities detained Sultanov on 17th July while extradition proceedings progress, as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing London investigation.

Sultanov allegedly conducted hostile surveillance at RAF Akrotiri between May and June 2025, sharing information with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has approved charges under sections 3 and 4 of the National Security Act.

Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, highlighted the case as a testament to the reach of the National Security Act in addressing hostile activity against British military bases overseas.

Collaboration between British and Cypriot law enforcement, CPS, and the National Crime Agency has been pivotal in this investigation.

These coordinated efforts continue as Sultanov's extradition process advances.

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