Brit arrested in Cyprus accused of hostile surveillance at RAF Akrotiri
National Security Act charges have been authorised against Rashad Sultanov, 44, a dual UK and Azerbaijani national allegedly accused of conducting hostile surveillance at RAF Akrotiri and sharing information
The main gate of the Britain’s RAF Akrotiri base(Image: AP)
A British man has been arrested in Cyprus as part of the first investigation using the National Security Act in relation to alleged offences in an overseas territory.
Rashad Sultanov, 44, a dual UK and Azerbaijani national, of Islington, was arrested on Friday, 17 July by Cypriot authorities and is being held in custody as extradition proceedings progress.
Sultanov has been arrested as part of an investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, into incidents at RAF Akrotiri between 11 May 2025 and 22 June 2025.
He allegedly conducted hostile surveillance on the base, a prohibited place, and is alleged to have then shared information with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), a foreign intelligence service.
He allegedly conducted hostile surveillance on the base(Image: Getty Images)
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges under section 3 and 4 of the National Security Act.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: “This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity.
“A huge amount of partnership work has been carried out between British and Cypriot law enforcement agencies.
“We continue to work with colleagues from the CPS, National Crime Agency and Cypriot authorities as extradition proceedings progress.”
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