Man Jailed for Spying on Iran International HQ in London
Austrian national Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev, 31, has been locked up for three-and-a-half years after being caught snooping around the former London office of Persian-language channel Iran International. The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command foiled what they called a “hostile reconnaissance” mission at Chiswick Business Park.
Security Guards Spot Suspicious Behaviour
Dovtaev showed up in February this year, drawing attention as he prowled the building where Iran International was based. Security guards questioned him several times before calling the police. Officers arrived quickly and arrested him.
The media company had faced serious threats from Iran over its coverage of political and social issues. As a result, the Met beefed up security at the site, helping protect staff from state-backed threats.
Evidence Reveals Terror Plan
Police seized Dovtaev’s phone and found he’d researched the building ahead of his trip. CCTV caught him filming the office perimeter, though no footage was recovered from his device. Detectives suspect he used an app that leaves no trace.
Dovtaev lied about visiting family and friends nearby — no record was found of them in the UK. He flew into Gatwick from Vienna on February 11 before heading straight to Chiswick in a minicab.
Convicted Under Terrorism Act After Old Bailey Trial
The trial wrapped on December 20 at the Old Bailey, where Dovtaev was convicted of attempting to gather information useful for terrorism under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. He was sentenced on December 22.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Met Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Dovtaev travelled hundreds of miles to gather hostile intelligence. Thanks to vigilant security and swift police action, his plans were stopped in their tracks.”
“We found no evidence of who he was working for, but it was clear he was there for terrorist activity. This case highlights ongoing threats from Iran aimed at individuals and media groups here in the UK.”
“The security steps we helped put in place successfully disrupted his activities. We remain committed to working with intelligence partners at home and abroad to tackle state threats.”
Stay Alert, Report Suspicious Activity
The Met continues to support other Persian-language media outlets in the UK with security advice and urges the public to stay vigilant. Anyone who spots anything suspicious should call 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency.
