Cypriot authorities have arrested a 44-year-old British-Azerbaijani dual national in connection with an investigation into alleged hostile surveillance at RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus.
The arrest took place on July 17, following an inquiry led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
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The suspect, identified as Rashad Sultanov of Islington, remains in custody in Cyprus as extradition proceedings continue.
Prosecutors allege that Sultanov conducted hostile surveillance on the military installation, which is designated a prohibited place, and later shared the intelligence with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), a foreign intelligence service.
The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized charges under sections 3 and 4 of the National Security Act.
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First Overseas Application of National Security Act
This case marks the first time the National Security Act has been applied to alleged offenses in an overseas territory.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the case demonstrates the ability to use the act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity.
She also highlighted the extensive partnership work between British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies.
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British authorities are coordinating with international partners, including the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency, as extradition proceedings progress.
