Two Men Charged With National Security Offences Over RAF Fairford 2026

Two men have been charged with national security offences following an investigation into a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, a UK military base in Gloucestershire. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both from London, face charges under the National Security Act 2023.

Abdulkarim is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, while Essghir is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Both men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. Five other men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail.

What Happened at RAF Fairford?

The incident occurred on 27 September near RAF Fairford, a base used by the US Air Force and known for hosting strategic bomber operations. Counter-terrorism police have stated it is “highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement” in the incident. The charges against the two men are the first to be brought in connection with the case.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS special crime and counter-terrorism division, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute two individuals with National Security Act offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into a high-profile incident involving RAF Fairford.” He added that the CPS will continue to work closely with partners as the complex investigation continues.

Why This Case Matters for UK National Security

The charges under the National Security Act 2023 highlight the growing use of this legislation to tackle state-sponsored threats. The Act, introduced last year, modernised espionage laws and created new offences for foreign interference. This case is one of the first high-profile uses of the Act, signalling a tougher stance on hostile state activity.

The alleged Iranian involvement raises concerns about Tehran's attempts to target UK interests, particularly military assets. The UK has previously sanctioned Iran's Revolutionary Guards for destabilising activities. This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by state actors and the importance of vigilance at sensitive sites.

Who Are the Men Charged?

Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, from London, faces a charge of assisting a foreign intelligence service. This offence carries a maximum penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment. Nouman Essghir, also 24 and from London, is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK, which can also result in a significant prison sentence.

Both men are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. The case will likely be transferred to the Crown Court due to the seriousness of the charges. Five other men arrested in connection with the investigation remain on police bail while enquiries continue.

What Are the National Security Act Offences?

The National Security Act 2023 introduced a range of offences to counter threats from foreign states. Key provisions include:

• Assisting a foreign intelligence service: Providing material or logistical support to a foreign spy agency.
• Entering a prohibited place: Accessing a restricted site for a purpose prejudicial to national security.
• Foreign interference: Conducting activities on behalf of a foreign power that are intended to interfere with UK interests.
• Espionage: Obtaining or sharing protected information that could harm national security.
• Sabotage: Damaging or disrupting critical infrastructure or defence assets.

These offences are designed to address modern espionage and state-sponsored threats, which often involve cyber operations and physical intrusions.

Comparison of Charges and Penalties

What Happens Next?

The court appearance on Tuesday will be the first step in a legal process that could take months. The CPS will present evidence gathered by Counter Terrorism Policing, and the defence will have the opportunity to respond. Given the complexity of the case, it is likely to be fast-tracked to the Crown Court.

The investigation into the wider network continues, with five other men still on bail. Police have not ruled out further arrests or charges. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as a test of the new National Security Act and the UK's ability to counter state-sponsored threats.

FAQ

The charges against the two men mark a significant development in the investigation. As the case progresses, it will shed light on the extent of foreign interference in the UK and the effectiveness of the National Security Act. For a deeper look at the initial arrests, see our coverage of the RAF Fairford security incident and arrests under the Explosives Act.

The alleged Iranian connection has also prompted diplomatic responses. The UK has previously sanctioned Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and this incident may lead to further measures. Our report on Iran's Revolutionary Guards behind RAF Fairford threats provides context on the sanctions.

Local residents have been affected by the heightened security presence. The evacuation and police raids disrupted daily life in nearby villages. You can read about the impact on the community in our article on how the RAF Fairford incident affected local residents.

The investigation has also seen multiple arrests, including Latvian men at RAF Molesworth, another base. This suggests a broader pattern of security breaches. For more on that, see our coverage of Latvian men arrested at RAF Molesworth.

As the legal process unfolds, questions remain about the extent of the network and potential further charges. The CPS has emphasised the complexity of the case. We will continue to follow the developments, including any updates on the UK terrorism arrests in the RAF Fairford plot investigation.