Greek National Charged with Espionage for Surveillance on Iranian Journalist in UK

Ioannis Aidinidis, a 46-year-old Greek national, has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service linked to Iran. He allegedly conducted surveillance on a London-based Iranian journalist working for Iran International, using a covert camera hidden in a sock to capture video and images of the journalist's residence and vehicles. Aidinidis made two trips to the UK in April and May 2026, during which he gathered intelligence for an unknown entity abroad. He was arrested on May 16, 2026, and is currently in custody awaiting a court appearance on June 19, 2026. The investigation is part of broader concerns regarding threats to journalists critical of the Iranian regime. Authorities have assured the public that there is no wider threat related to this case.

Key Points: • Ioannis Aidinidis is charged with espionage for surveilling a UK-based Iranian journalist. • The surveillance involved a covert camera hidden in a sock, transmitting data abroad. • Authorities emphasize no wider public threat exists despite the espionage allegations.