The Sock Camera Case: Greece, Iran, and a Targeted Journalist in London
A Greek national appeared in a London courtroom Friday charged with spying on a journalist who publicly criticizes Iran's Islamic government, with prosecutors alleging he planted a hidden camera inside a sock outside the journalist's home.
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, born in Georgia and living in Munich, allegedly traveled to the UK twice on behalf of a foreign intelligence service, believed to be Iran. Prosecutor Lee Ingham told Westminster Magistrates' Court that Aidinidis visited addresses linked to the journalist, photographing homes and filming car license plates during his first trip.
Aidinidis installed "a covert camera hidden in a sock" capable of transmitting data to unknown individuals abroad.
During a second visit, Ingham alleged, Aidinidis installed "a covert camera hidden in a sock" capable of transmitting data to unknown individuals abroad. The journalist works for Iran International, a Persian-language broadcaster based in London that is openly critical of Tehran's government.
Aidinidis confirmed his identity in court through a Russian interpreter but did not enter a plea. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance, scheduled for June 19 at Central London Criminal Court.
Iran International has been a persistent target of the Iranian regime. The outlet temporarily relocated its headquarters to Washington, D.C., in early 2023 specifically to protect its journalists from Iranian threats, before later returning to a new London location.
The case adds to a growing list of alleged Iranian intelligence operations carried out on British soil against journalists and dissidents who speak out against Tehran.
