- Police are investigating if Iranian-funded criminals planned several London arson attacks over several weeks.
- Counter-terrorism officers are searching for suspects who targeted Jewish sites and Iranian dissidents.
- Fifteen individuals have been arrested following six separate attacks occurring since 23 March.
Counter-terrorism units are currently leading an inquiry into arson attacks across London. Investigators suspect foreign state involvement from Iran, believing that paid criminals carried out the acts. Detectives are examining if the suspects performed reconnaissance on Jewish targets for several weeks before striking.
The group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia claimed responsibility via Telegram. They released propaganda videos, including a livestreamed attack on a Harrow synagogue. Police believe these criminals were recruited and directed through online platforms to execute the coordinated firebombing operations.
Since 23 March, authorities have arrested 15 people linked to six attacks. These incidents included targeting a Jewish charity’s ambulances and a media company for Iranian dissidents. Other targets included synagogues in Finchley and Harrow, plus a drone attempt against the Israeli embassy.
In a recent incident at a Kenton synagogue, three men were involved. One suspect smashed a window to throw a petrol bomb inside. Two teenagers aged 17 and 19 were arrested, while police continue to hunt for one more suspect involved in that specific attack.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes stated that foreign states using proxies to sow discord is deeply troubling. He noted that while hate crimes exist, the use of paid “fools” by a state is a distinct, alarming mechanism intended to create anxiety within British communities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described these abhorrent acts as attacks on Britain itself. This violence follows a sharp rise in antisemitism since October 2023. Similar attacks by the same group were reported in Munich, North Macedonia, Holland, Belgium, and France.
