Two Romanian Nationals Convicted in Journalist’s Stabbing

Two Romanians found guilty of stabbing – In a case that has drawn international attention, two Romanian nationals were found guilty of attacking a prominent Iranian opposition journalist in Wimbledon. The incident, which occurred on 29 March 2024, was aimed at silencing Pouria Zeraati, a reporter for Iran International, a Persian-language news outlet known for its critical stance against the Iranian government. The accused, Nandito Badea and George Stana, were convicted by a jury at Woolwich Crown Court of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. A third individual, David Andrei, was implicated in the attack but could not be extradited from Romania, leaving him outside the scope of the trial.

According to court records, Badea wielded the knife during the assault, while Stana drove the getaway vehicle—a Mazda. The attack took place near Zeraati’s home, a short distance from the iconic All England Lawn Tennis Club. The journalist, who was walking to his car, sustained three stab wounds to his legs and required hospital treatment for the injuries. Zeraati described the incident as “very frightening,” stating that Badea first asked for £3 before 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,” Zeraati recounted in a statement. “I could feel the taking out and stabbing again.”

The prosecution argued that the attack was orchestrated to eliminate Zeraati as a vocal critic of the Iranian regime. His programs, broadcast via satellite into Iran, had gained significant traction among opposition supporters. Counter-terrorism detectives believe the motive was both personal and political, with Zeraati’s public stance making him a target. Posters of the journalist bearing the words “Wanted: dead or alive” were reportedly displayed in Tehran, underscoring the severity of the threat. Ch Supt Kris Wright, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, emphasized that the attack was not just an act of violence but a strategic move to send a message to wider audiences.

“I believe he was targeted because of his role as the vocal opposition to the Iranian regime here in the UK. The coverage that he has globally is significant. 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,” Wright stated.

Wright further described the suspects as “proxies”—individuals hired to carry out actions for financial gain rather than ideological conviction. This case is part of a growing trend of overseas regimes using local operatives to exert influence in the UK. The investigation revealed that the attackers were funded through a London-based construction company, Hemroc Ltd, which had paid over £80,000 into the Revolut account of Stana’s sister, Florina. These funds were then transferred to accounts linked to Badea and Stana, covering their travel expenses between Bucharest and London.

Documents filed at Companies House indicate that Hemroc Ltd and its affiliated businesses operate in construction and hospitality. Stana, who worked briefly as a decorator in London, had prior ties to the industry, while Badea’s career in construction began after he left football. The 25-year-old had once played professionally for FC Astra Giurgiu and CS Blejoi in Romania but quit due to low pay. Badea claimed he was recruited by Constantin “Bebe” Matache and Catalin Dumitru to work in Wimbledon, with a promise of £3,000 per month. However, he admitted the job never materialized, and the initial plan was to “slap” Zeraati for allegedly sleeping with Matache’s wife and stealing a watch.

Despite Badea’s claim that Andrei executed the stabbing, Zeraati’s testimony contradicted this, asserting that Badea had directly attacked him. The trio’s swift departure to Switzerland via Heathrow Airport shortly after the incident raised questions about their connection to the Iranian government. During the trial, Andrei’s absence was explained by the inability to extradite him from Romania, as he had ongoing legal matters there. Badea and Stana, however, were extradited in December 2024, enabling their prosecution.

The case also highlights the role of Edgar Hakkopian, a British-Iranian dual national, who is suspected of linking the funding chain. While not charged, detectives have connected him to the financial transactions involving Hemroc Ltd. This raises concerns about the network of support extending beyond the immediate suspects. Wright noted that such cases are becoming more frequent, with foreign entities using “proxies” to achieve political goals. “We are seeing more and more cases linked to overseas regimes trying to exert their influence in the UK,” he remarked. “Our job is to bring these individuals to justice and send a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated here.”

Reconnaissance activities in Wimbledon had reportedly taken place in the days leading up to the attack. Zeraati’s wife had previously filmed Stana and another man in the communal garden near their home, where they were found with a cricket bat and hockey stick. This incident may have heightened the attackers’ awareness of Zeraati’s routines, allowing them to execute the plan with precision. The financial trail, however, remains a key piece of evidence, with money transfers from Florina’s account suggesting a deliberate effort to fund the operation.

As the investigation continues, authorities are exploring further connections between the suspects and Iran. The case underscores the challenges of combating international influence in domestic crime, particularly when individuals are willing to commit violence for financial reward. With the conviction of Badea and Stana, the focus now shifts to understanding the broader implications of this attack and how it fits into a larger pattern of targeted intimidation against dissenting voices. The prosecution remains confident that the evidence presented will hold up, ensuring justice for Zeraati and deterring future acts of aggression.

The aftermath of the attack has sparked discussions about the safety of journalists operating in the UK. While Zeraati’s injuries were not life-threatening, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those challenging authoritarian regimes. Counter-terrorism units are now monitoring similar cases closely, with the hope of dismantling the networks responsible for such operations. As the case progresses, the role of Andrei and the potential involvement of Hakkopian will likely remain under scrutiny, reinforcing the idea that this was a coordinated effort rather than a spontaneous act of violence.

With the two Romanians now facing the consequences of their actions, the case stands as a testament to the global reach of political motives. The attack on Zeraati, while localized in Wimbledon, symbolizes a broader strategy to suppress dissent through physical intimidation. As the UK continues to serve as a hub for international influence, the investigation into this case may set a precedent for future prosecutions of individuals acting as foreign proxies. The verdict marks a significant step in holding those accountable for attempting to silence a journalist through violence, ensuring that such actions are not overlooked in the pursuit of global political goals.