Two Iranian nationals who entered Britain as asylum seekers via small boats and lorries have been convicted of spying for Tehran and plotting attacks against critics of the Islamic Republic, exposing what Nigel Farage calls a “national security threat” from uncontrolled migration.
The Spies Next Door
Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, and Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, were arrested in daylight raids at their London homes after a month-long trial revealed their work for Iranian intelligence. Sepahvand entered the UK hidden in a truck in 2016, while Manesh arrived on a migrant boat in 2019 – both later granted asylum despite no apparent vetting.
Woolwich Crown Court heard the pair conducted surveillance on journalists at Iran International, a Persian outlet critical of Tehran, and a British-Israeli lawyer. Evidence showed Sepahvand discussing a £150,000 payment to “finish off” a target, while requesting his Iranian criminal record be wiped clean.
“Useful Idiots” for Tehran
Prosecutors described the unemployed men as “proxies” willing to eliminate enemies of the regime for personal gain. Sepahvand claimed coercion, complaining about unpaid wages, while Manesh absurdly insisted he photographed Iran International’s office because it was “a beautiful building.”
“This was a calculated operation to spy on those critical of the Iranian regime,” said the head of the Criminal Prosecution Service, noting Sepahvand’s readiness to escalate to violence before being intercepted.
Farage’s Warnings Vindicated
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage seized on the case: “I’ve said repeatedly that Iranian spies were breaking in illegally. The Channel crisis is a national security threat.” His claims align with reports that over 30,000 Iranians have reached Britain via small boats since 2018, with intelligence sources suggesting Tehran actively exploits the route.
The convictions come as Britain processes a record 45,000 asylum applications annually, with border forces intercepting just 60% of Channel crossings. Home Office officials admit they lack resources to properly screen many arrivals from high-risk nations like Iran.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/11/12/national-security-threat-boat-migrant-convicted-of-spying-for-iran/