Two found guilty of stabbing Iranian opposition journalist

Two Romanian men have been convicted for stabbing a journalist in Wimbledon, in what authorities say was an effort to “silence” him on behalf of the Iranian regime. Pouria Zeraati, who works for the Persian-language channel Iran International—known for its critical coverage of the Iranian government—was attacked near his home, close to the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The assault happened while he was walking to his car.

The court heard that 21-year-old Nandito Badea stabbed Zeraati three times in the thigh, while 25-year-old George Stana acted as the getaway driver in a Mazda. A third individual, David Andrei, allegedly restrained Zeraati during the stabbing but was not tried because Romanian authorities refused extradition. Shortly after the attack, all three men flew from Heathrow to Switzerland.

Zeraati described the incident as “very frightening,” recalling that Badea first demanded £3 before suddenly pulling out a knife. “He started stabbing the back of my right thigh very quickly. All the time he was looking me in the eye,” the journalist said, adding, “I could feel the taking out and stabbing again.” The wounds required hospital treatment, involving stitches for the three stab injuries.

Counter-terrorism officials believe the attack was politically motivated due to Zeraati’s role as a prominent opponent of the Iranian government broadcasting critical content into Iran via satellite. Posters featuring Zeraati’s image, labeled “Wanted: dead or alive,” were reportedly displayed in Tehran. Detective Chief Superintendent Kris Wright of Counter Terrorism Policing stated, “I believe he was targeted because of his role as the vocal opposition to the Iranian regime here in the UK… An attack on him could be seen not only as an attack to silence him, but also for Iran to send a message to wider populations.”

Investigators characterized the attackers as “proxies,” hired individuals willing to execute violent acts for financial gain rather than ideological commitment. Wright also noted an increasing trend of overseas regimes attempting to exert influence within the UK, affirming that counter-terrorism police are committed to pursuing justice and making clear that such activities will not be tolerated.

The prosecution presented evidence of financial transactions linked to the attack. Over £80,000 was moved through the Revolut account of Stana’s sister, Florina, funded by a London-based company called Hemroc Ltd. Funds from her account were then transferred to accounts associated with Badea and Stana, including payments for their flights between Bucharest and London. Detectives have connected these transfers to British-Iranian dual national Edgar Hakkopian, who has not been charged. Hemroc Ltd’s filings suggest it operates in construction and hospitality industries.

Additional background includes surveillance footage filmed by Zeraati’s wife a year prior to the stabbing, capturing Stana and another man in possession of a cricket bat and hockey stick near their home. The days preceding the attack involved reconnaissance activity on Zeraati’s street. Both accused men have disclosed details in court: Badea said he was recruited by two men to work in construction in London but claimed the real motive for the attack was a personal dispute involving a supposed affair and theft. He maintained that Andrei carried out the stabbing, a claim disputed by Zeraati, who identified Badea as the attacker wielding the knife.

Badea and Stana were extradited from Romania for trial in December 2024. Andrei remains in Romania due to pending legal proceedings. Investigations are ongoing; in January 2025, a 40-year-old man was arrested in north-west London on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm but was later released on bail

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