UK National Security Act Used Overseas for First Time in Cyprus Arrest
Rashad Sultanov charged with hostile surveillance at RAF Akrotiri, alleged to have shared intelligence with Iran's IRGC.
Sarah Connor
Rashad Sultanov, a 44-year-old dual UK and Azerbaijani national, was arrested in Cyprus on 17 July, facing charges under the National Security Act.
Information was shared with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an organization the United Kingdom recently banned, deeming it a direct threat to national security.
Metropolitan Police claim Sultanov conducted 'hostile surveillance' at RAF Akrotiri, allegedly sharing intelligence with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Britain retained RAF Akrotiri and another base on Cyprus after the island gained independence in 1960, securing a vital Mediterranean foothold.
This enduring presence provides a critical projection point for British power and intelligence gathering; its security remains paramount to UK defense strategy.
Law enforcement officials and intelligence experts claim Iran-backed proxy groups orchestrate a growing number of attacks in Europe, primarily targeting the Jewish community and opponents of Iran’s Islamic government.
The alleged surveillance at Akrotiri fits a disturbing pattern of aggressive foreign state activity, which the National Security Act now confronts in an unprecedented overseas context.
This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity.
This prosecution expands the reach of British law to protect critical infrastructure beyond national borders, providing a new, potent tool for deterrence against hostile states.
Helen Flanagan, a lead prosecutor, confirmed the profound nature of the case, stating, 'This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity.'
British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies cooperate intensely on Sultanov's extradition proceedings, a joint effort driven by the gravity of the alleged offenses.
A huge amount of partnership work has been carried out between British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies.
Flanagan confirmed extensive partnership work between British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies, stating, 'A huge amount of partnership work has been carried out between British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies.'
Collaboration persists across multiple agencies as extradition proceedings advance, with Flanagan stating, 'We continue to work with colleagues from the CPS, National Crime Agency and Cypriot authorities as extradition proceedings progress.'
Defence lawyer Efstathios Efstathiou argued for the hearing to be adjourned until Mr Sultanov has UK legal representation. The judge ordered British authorities to arrange legal representation before proceedings resume.