UK counter-terrorism police announced that Vahid Abari, 39, and a resident of Liverpool, was detained on suspicion of collaborating with a foreign intelligence service. Police said the investigation into the case is linked to the Islamic Republic.

According to a police statement, Abari was arrested on 24 Tir in the Birmingham area, and several locations in Birmingham and Liverpool were searched. After the completion of the investigation, the prosecution agreed to bring charges against him.

Helen Flanagan, head of the London counter-terrorism police, said the case is another example of police action to disrupt suspicious activities linked to foreign intelligence services. She added that so far, no direct threat to the public or to any individual or community connected to this case has been identified.

Vahid Abari will remain in custody until the court hearing and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Court on Friday, 26 Tir.