A Greek national has appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service in an alleged surveillance operation targeting a London-based Iranian journalist.

Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, is alleged to have conducted covert monitoring activities in the UK on behalf of a service believed to be linked to Iran, following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Prosecutors told the court that Aidinidis travelled to the UK on two occasions, first between 16 and 21 April and again between 12 and 16 May this year, during which he allegedly gathered intelligence on a journalist working for Iran International.It is claimed that during both visits he photographed and filmed addresses and vehicle number plates associated with the journalist.

On his second trip in May, prosecutors allege he installed a concealed camera hidden inside a sock, which was capable of transmitting data to individuals located abroad.Authorities also stated that he is suspected of having received funding to carry out the surveillance activity.Aidinidis was arrested in West Sussex on 16 May by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London.He confirmed his identity through a Russian interpreter but did not enter any pleas during the hearing.The defendant has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 19 June.

Counter Terrorism Policing said it recognises the case may cause concern, particularly among those working in Persian-language media, and confirmed that advice and security support is being provided to affected individuals and organisations.However, police emphasised that there is no evidence of a wider threat to the general public.

The case comes amid wider concerns following a separate incident in April, when three people were charged over an attempted arson attack on the offices of Iran International in London, an attack later claimed by a group whose involvement has not been substantiated.Iran International has described the incidents as part of a broader campaign of transnational intimidation aimed at silencing independent journalism.