Man accused of using hidden camera to spy on UK-based Iranian journalist

A Greek national accused of spying on a London-based Iranian journalist allegedly used a covert camera hidden inside a sock to carry out surveillance, a court has heard.

Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service believed to be linked to Iran, following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.

Prosecutor Lee Ingham said Aidinidis allegedly travelled to the UK twice - in April and May this year - to carry out surveillance on the journalist working for Iran International.

He is accused of photographing and filming addresses and number plates linked to the journalist during both trips.

During his second visit in May, Aidinidis allegedly "installed a covert camera hidden in a sock," prosecutors said, which was capable of sending data "to persons unknown abroad".

Aidinidis, who was born in Georgia and lives in Germany, is accused of receiving funding to carry out the surveillance.

According to prosecutors, his first trip to the UK took place between 16 and 21 April, while the second was from 12 to 16 May. He was arrested in West Sussex on 16 May by CTP London officers.

Aidinidis confirmed his identity through a Russian interpreter but did not enter any pleas.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 19 June.

In a statement before the hearing, Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: "We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media."

She added that the force was providing advice and security support to a number of organisations and individuals, including "the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation".

Police said there was not believed to be a wider threat to the public.

In April, three people were charged over an attempted arson attack on the offices of Iran International in north-west London.

An Islamist group with possible links to Iran - Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya - claimed responsibility for the attack. The claim has not been substantiated.

In a statement last month, Iran International said it had been subject to a "campaign of transnational intimidation aimed at silencing independent journalism".