A Greek national has appeared in a London court accused of spying on an Iranian journalist using a covert camera concealed inside a sock. The case has raised concerns about the safety of Persian-language media workers in the UK.
Court Appearance and Charges
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who was born in Georgia but resides in Germany, faced Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday. He is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, believed to be Iran, under the National Security Act. The charge follows an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.
Prosecutor Lee Ingham told the court that Aidinidis traveled to the UK on two occasions in April and May 2026. During his second visit, he allegedly installed a covert camera hidden in a sock, which was capable of sending data to unknown persons abroad. The camera was reportedly placed in a tree.
Surveillance Activities
According to the prosecution, Aidinidis visited addresses linked to the journalist during both trips to London. He is accused of photographing and filming homes and car registration plates. Messages on his phone allegedly indicated he was being funded by people abroad. Separate evidence suggests he also carried out surveillance on a defense firm in Italy between his trips to Britain.
Police believe his actions were on behalf of Iran. Journalists working for Iran International, a Persian-language TV channel, have been openly targeted by the Iranian government, with staff appearing on "Wanted: dead or alive" posters, Ingham said.
Arrest and Remand
Aidinidis was arrested on 16 May in the West Sussex area by CTP detectives from London, supported by officers from CTP South East. He confirmed his identity through a Russian interpreter but did not enter any pleas. He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 19 June.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, stated: "We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media. We continue to work closely with a number of organisations and individuals to provide them with advice and support around their safety and security."
Police have said there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.
