A dual British and Azerbaijani national is facing extradition from Cyprus to the United Kingdom over allegations of spying on a British military base.
Rashad Sultanov, 44, a former taxi driver from Islington, north London, was arrested by Cypriot police on July 17.
The arrest followed an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London into activities that took place between May 11 and June 22 last year.
British prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service intervened to suspend Cypriot criminal proceedings against Sultanov.
They are seeking his extradition to HM Prison Belmarsh to face charges under sections 3 and 4 of the National Security Act 2023.
This case marks the first time an alleged offense under the 2023 legislation has been investigated and applied in an overseas territory.
Sultanov appeared at Limassol District Court on Thursday to challenge the extradition request.
His legal representative successfully argued for an adjournment until a legal aid-funded UK lawyer is provided under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
According to local Cypriot news outlet Philenews, Sultanov allegedly used long-lens cameras and mobile phones to photograph fighter jets at the base.
He also took notes and sent the materials to a suspected handler identified as Elsad Elsin Hajiyev.
RAF Akrotiri is Britain's largest military base outside the United Kingdom.
It serves as a central operational staging hub across the Middle East, including recent operations targeting Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, outlined the reach of the new security framework during the ongoing proceedings.
"This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity," said Flanagan.
Investigators worked closely across jurisdictional borders to gather evidence leading to the legal action against the suspect.
"A huge amount of partnership work has been carried out between British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies," she added.
Authorities are maintaining coordinated efforts as the legal process moves through the extradition court.
"We continue to work with colleagues from the CPS, National Crime Agency and Cypriot authorities as extradition proceedings progress," said Flanagan.
Court hearings in Cyprus are scheduled to resume next week after British authorities arrange legal representation for the defense.
