Two Romanian men have been convicted of stabbing a journalist working for Iran International in Wimbledon, south London, earlier this year. The attack occurred on 29 April 2024 outside the victim’s home on Queensmere Road.
Counter Terrorism Policing London led the investigation, which revealed that the suspects fled to Romania immediately after the assault. Following international cooperation, the two men were extradited back to the UK to face trial.
The victim, a prominent news presenter for Iran International TV, was stabbed multiple times in the leg as he left his home and approached his car. One attacker demanded money while the other restrained the victim before delivering the stab wounds. Both men then fled on foot.
The attack was considered targeted due to ongoing threats made by the Iranian regime against the media organisation, which Iran has previously labelled a terrorist group.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police quickly traced the suspects’ escape route, which included a getaway car in New Malden and a taxi ride to Heathrow Airport. The suspects and a third individual left the UK by flight to Geneva shortly after the assault. DNA evidence linked items discarded during their escape to the two convicted men.
Working with Romanian police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the National Crime Agency, extradition warrants led to the arrest and return of the suspects, identified as Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25. A third man remains under investigation in Romania.
Mobile phone data and CCTV footage showed that the suspects conducted hostile reconnaissance of the victim’s address on multiple occasions prior to the attack. The two men had also raised suspicion in the area a year earlier. Evidence included their travel from a West Brompton hotel in a blue Mazda, a vehicle purchased via Facebook. This detailed investigation exposed the planning behind the violent attack.
Chief Superintendent Kris Wright, head of Protective Security Operations for Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “This was a targeted and violent attack likely connected to the Iranian regime, who wanted to evade justice. However, thanks to a thorough international investigation, we have shown there is nowhere to hide.”
The two convicted men are scheduled to be sentenced on 3 July 2025.
Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work with Persian-language media and UK organisations to provide security advice against threats linked to Iran. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to police on 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency.
Originally published by UKNIP.
