A Greek national charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service - believed to be Iran - kept a covert camera hidden inside his sock, a court has heard.
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who lives in Munich, Germany, is accused of travelling to the UK twice this spring to carry out surveillance on a London-based journalist working for Iran international.
The news website promotes Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and is actively critical of the current Iranian leadership.
Aidinidis is accused of photographing homes and car registration plates, with prosecutors saying he "installed a covert camera hidden in a sock" which was "able to send data" to people overseas.
He was arrested on Saturday in West Sussex by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), and taken to a London police station.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, charged under the National Security Act.
Prosecutor Lee Ingham said Aidinidis allegedly visited addresses linked to the journalist during both trips.
Mr Ingham told the court that journalists working for Iran International have been "openly targeted" by the Iranian government.
He cited previous instances in which staff members appeared on "Wanted: dead or alive" posters.
Aidinidis confirmed his identity through a Russian interpreter but did not enter any pleas.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 19 June.
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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.
"We continue to work closely with a number of organisations and individuals to provide them with advice and support around their safety and security, and this includes the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation.
"If anyone has concerns around their safety then they can contact their local police force and further advice and support can be provided."
There is not believed to be any wider threat to the public, police said.
(c) Sky News 2026: Man charged with spying on Iranian journalist in UK
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