Two Romanian nationals, Nandito Badea and George Stana, were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of wounding with intent after a targeted knife attack on Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati outside his Wimbledon home on 29 March 2024. Prosecutors say the stabbing was preceded by months of "hostile surveillance" beginning on 1 March 2023 and was ordered by a third party acting for the Iranian state. A third suspected participant, David Andrei, remains in Romania. The defendants are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 3 July.
Two Men Convicted Over Targeted Knife Attack On Iran International Journalist In Wimbledon
FILE PHOTO - The flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran flies in the wind in front of the Iranian embassy in Berlin. (is associated with: «Two men found guilty of knife attack on journalist in UK for Iran») Monika Skolimowska/dpa
Two Romanian nationals have been convicted of carrying out a targeted knife attack on a Farsi‑language journalist in south‑west London that prosecutors say was ordered on behalf of the Iranian state.
Jurors at Woolwich Crown Court found Nandito Badea (21) and George Stana (25) guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after the assault on Iran International reporter Pouria Zeraati outside his Wimbledon home on 29 March 2024. The pair are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 3 July.
Attack and Prosecution Case
Prosecutors said Zeraati was stabbed three times in the thigh in a "planned attack preceded by reconnaissance, and which was ordered by a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state." CCTV and witness evidence showed a blue Mazda 3 waiting as a getaway car; the vehicle was later found abandoned in New Malden.
FILE PHOTO - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visits an exhibition that showcases the Defence Ministry's latest advancements in defence and space in Tehran. (is associated with: «Two men found guilty of knife attack on journalist in UK for Iran») Iranian Presidency/dpa
Defendants' Version
Both men denied the full prosecution account. Badea said he was told to approach a man and ask for money and insisted he had "never done any violence in my life." Stana said he expected only a slap or theft of a watch and claimed surprise when he learned a stabbing had occurred. A third suspect, David Andrei, remains in Romania and was not tried.
Investigation, Surveillance And Flight
The court heard "hostile surveillance" of Zeraati began on 1 March 2023. Investigators say the attackers conducted extensive reconnaissance, arranged a getaway car and were funded by others — including payments traced to a company named Hemroc Ltd and transfers via Stana's sister's Revolut account. After the attack the suspects fled the UK, travelling to Geneva; prosecutors outlined how they used the Bolt taxi app, changing drop‑off points before leaving the country.
"All I was thinking was, where is he going to stab? Is he going to stab my neck? My heart? My kidney? Will I be alive in the next few seconds or not?" — Pouria Zeraati, recalling the attack.
Response
Counter‑Terrorism Policing and the Crown Prosecution Service said international cooperation was crucial in securing convictions. Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS special crime and counter‑terrorism division, described the assault as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence a journalist.
Iran International — which had faced threats and temporarily relocated from Chiswick to Washington DC in 2023 — said the verdict underlines the risks faced by journalists covering Iran and its activities abroad.
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