Two Iranian men charged with an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community in Manchester arrived in the UK by small boats
It is alleged that the two men were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot, CTP said.
Ahmadyan and Salehi arrived via small boat in 2020 and 2023, it is understood. One was granted asylum, and the other has a live asylum claim.
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Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
They were arrested shortly before the start of Yom Kippur – which was from sundown on September 20 to nightfall on September 21 – and is widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
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According to CTP, the men are accused of getting instructions to make a chlorine bomb.
They are also accused of using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.
As part of the investigation, searches at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, were carried out.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors.
“Two suspects have been charged with planning a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in Manchester.
“This news will be deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
“I know this will be especially true in Manchester, as we mark one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.
“The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country. While numbers are down, I know there is more we must do.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case. But I can say that we will be unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities, root out antisemitism in this country, and maintain our border security.
“It is no secret that this country faces a range of serious threats from the Iranian regime.
“They target our Jewish communities and try to silence their critics overseas, often through proxies and criminal networks to hide their involvement.
“The Prime Minister has been clear there are strong indications of Iran’s involvement in the events near RAF Fairford.
“We are responding to these threats with new powers and record funding to disrupt hostile activity.
“I’m grateful to our police and intelligence agencies for the exceptional work they do every day to keep us safe.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), said: “These are extremely serious charges and allegations, and have come about from a joint CTP investigation, working closely with our partners in the security services.
“This investigation has led to the disruption of what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.
“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as always, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns.
“I’m aware that the news of this alleged plot coming during the High Holy day period has caused a great deal of concern to the Jewish community, as well as with the wider public.
“It also coincides with the anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack last year at Heaton Park synagogue and comes in a wider context of increasing antisemitic incidents across the UK, so we are very aware that this will likely increase what were already heightened concerns amongst the Jewish community.
“This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran.
“While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that CTP, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts.
“I hope that our actions in this case show that CTP are working proactively and that we will act swiftly whenever we suspect there to be a threat to the public in order to keep them safe.
“CTP has been supported by colleagues in the North West, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police during this investigation and we continue to work with those colleagues as some inquiries continue.
“CTP is also working closely with police forces across the country to provide specialist protective security advice and support for areas with Jewish communities to help keep them safe.
“Finally, I would like to thank the public – particularly those in affected areas in Manchester and Liverpool – for their support while this investigation has been ongoing.
“As ever, I urge the public to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns then do not hesitate to act, and contact police.”
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “We know how concerning this news will be to Jewish communities in Greater Manchester, and beyond.
“We know this is particularly acute on the calendar anniversary of last year’s terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue, and during the Jewish High Holy days.
“We continue to work hand in glove locally with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and our local policing teams, and nationally with Counter Terrorism Police London, which have been leading this investigation.
“Our ongoing and robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure, and the public can expect to see continued visibility with officers providing engagement and security.”
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have decided to prosecute Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan following a fast-paced Counter Terrorism Policing investigation in Greater Manchester in September targeting the Jewish community.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and we remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendants in this case are active and they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
“We understand that this case may cause concern, particularly considering the arrests came on the eve of Yom Kippur. We want to assure the Jewish community that working with the police, their safety and that of the wider public is our highest priority.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said: “The charging of two men following the counter terror investigation into an alleged plot to target our Jewish community will cause shock, alarm and concern within the community and across Greater Manchester.
“This is another chilling reminder of the real and sustained threats facing our Jewish communities.”