An alleged Iranian spy accused of conducting surveillance on a British military base in Cyprus has appeared in court to contest his extradition to the United Kingdom, in what prosecutors describe as a landmark national security case.
Rashad Sultanov, 44, a dual British and Azerbaijani national from Islington, north London, is accused of spying on RAF Akrotiri – Britain’s military base in Cyprus – and passing intelligence to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
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Mr Sultanov appeared before Limassol District Court yesterday as extradition proceedings formally began, where he strongly denied all allegations against him and is now being held in custody.
Dressed in a black pro-Palestine T-shirt, he spoke only in Azerbaijani through a court-appointed interpreter, and repeatedly told the court he was struggling to understand the proceedings.
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British prosecutors allege Mr Sultanov carried out hostile reconnaissance of RAF Akrotiri – a sovereign base that plays a critical role in military operations across the Middle East.
Investigators claim he monitored aircraft movements, photographed military installations using long-lens cameras and mobile phones, and compiled detailed notes, before allegedly transmitting intelligence to handlers linked to the IRGC.
According to the UK’s extradition request, prosecutors believe Mr Sultanov passed information to an alleged handler identified as Elsad Elsin Hajiyev – an Azerbaijani-Iranian national wanted under an international arrest warrant.
Mr Sultanov was initially arrested by Cypriot authorities in June last year, with local criminal proceedings suspended earlier this month after British authorities sought his extradition, so he could face charges under the National Security Act 2023.
The investigation marks the first known attempt to use the legislation in relation to alleged offences committed overseas.
The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the Act, relating to assisting a foreign intelligence service and entering a designated prohibited place.
Prosecutors are seeking to bring Mr Sultanov to London, where he would face trial if extradition is approved.
Defence lawyer Efstathios Efstathiou successfully argued for the hearing to be adjourned until his client is provided with legal representation in the UK, funded through British legal aid.
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He told the court Mr Sultanov was entitled to assistance under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The judge then ordered British authorities to arrange legal representation before proceedings resume next week.
Before relocating to London, the defendant worked as a taxi driver in Leicester and established Yasamal Ltd, a company importing pomegranate juice.
Company records show the business carried debts exceeding £40,000, while reporting net assets of approximately £1,500.
Friends described his lifestyle as modest, and said they were unaware of any alleged links to Iranian intelligence – although some recalled he occasionally expressed support for Palestinian rights.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing 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.”
RAF Akrotiri, Britain’s largest military installation outside the UK, houses Eurofighter Typhoon jets, reconnaissance aircraft, transport planes and aerial refuelling assets, and played a significant role in supporting operations linked to Israel and air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen.
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