Man arrested in Cyprus in first overseas National Security Act investigation

A 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.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges under the National Security Act.

Sultanov was arrested as part of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) 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.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said the 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," she added.

"We continue to work with colleagues from the CPS, National Crime Agency and Cypriot authorities as extradition proceedings progress."

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The charges were authorised by the CPS under section three and four of the National Security Act - which cover "assisting a foreign intelligence service" and "entering etc a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK".

Cyprus hosts two British sovereign military bases - RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia Station - both date back to the 1950s.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man arrested in Cyprus in first overseas National Security Act investigation