British-Azerbaijani national arrested in Cyprus for alleged spying

The arrest on July 17 marks the first time British counter-terrorism police have utilized the National Security Act for an overseas investigation. Authorities allege that Sultanov, a resident of Islington, spent weeks observing activities at the RAF Akrotiri base between May 11 and June 22 of last year.

Helen Flanagan, who leads counter-terrorism policing in London, framed the operation as a demonstration of Britain’s reach under the new security legislation. By tracking hostile state activity beyond domestic borders, the Metropolitan Police aim to secure the integrity of overseas military assets. Sultanov remains in custody while legal proceedings to return him to London continue.