A state willing to pay for a covert operation like this against a British citizen, on British soil, is not a reliable partner. It does not respect our laws, our sovereignty, or the safety of the people who live here. Here is what ITV News found, why it matters, and what to do if you believe you may be watched.
What the investigation found
The operation was run by Abraham Golan, a Hungarian-Israeli former French Foreign Legion soldier and head of the private military contractor Spear Operations Group, working with a former US Navy SEAL. Confidential Emirati records obtained by ITV News show Golan was paid a six figure annual retainer and several million dollars in salary and bonuses in the months before the London operation, on top of a one million dollar payout for earlier work in Yemen.
The target was Anas Altikriti, a British academic, hostage negotiator and chief executive of the Cordoba Foundation, a think tank the UAE proscribed in 2014 over its perceived links to the Muslim Brotherhood. The surveillance, in late 2016, involved photographs of his home and car, satellite imagery and reconnaissance of his office, mapped routes between the two, and attempts to lure him to meetings under false pretences. His young children were caught up in the surveillance.
One witness told ITV News that Golan's associate made a throat cutting gesture while discussing Mr Altikriti, which the witness took to mean the operation could become about physically eliminating him. Mr Altikriti was later warned by London police, through an Osman notice, of an unspecified threat to his safety.
Golan declined to comment substantively. The UAE embassies in London and Washington did not respond to ITV News. The Home Office said it does not comment on security and intelligence matters.
Why it matters
Dubai Watch exists to monitor and report exactly this: the reach of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider United Arab Emirates beyond their borders, against critics, campaigners and exiles. Surveillance of this kind is rarely an isolated act. It is the first link in a chain that can end in harassment, intimidation, legal action and, for those within reach, detention. Our co-founder David Haigh was himself placed under surveillance, and his phone was targeted with Pegasus spyware while he campaigned for Princess Latifa, as confirmed by forensic analysis reported worldwide in 2021.
If you believe you may be watched
- Document everything. Keep a dated record of incidents, vehicles, approaches and unusual contact, however small it seems.
- Review your digital security. Update devices, enable two factor authentication, and be alert to phishing and unusual links. Spyware has repeatedly been used against critics of the UAE, including in the United Kingdom.
- Tell someone. Report concerns to the police and, if you are a campaigner or journalist, to your organisation or union.
- Take advice early. Specialist legal and security help exists, and the earlier it is involved the more it can do.
If you think you are affected
If you believe you are being watched or targeted in connection with Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the wider United Arab Emirates, contact us in confidence at info@dubaiwatch.org.
The full investigation
UAE-funded mercenary 'ran covert operation' against British activist in London
The full investigation by Rohit Kachroo, Global Security Editor.
19 August 2026 The GuardianPrincess Latifa campaigner had 'phone compromised by Pegasus spyware'
The earlier targeting of Dubai Watch co-founder David Haigh.
2 August 2021Sources: ITV News investigation by Rohit Kachroo, 19 August 2026; The Guardian, 2 August 2021. Compiled by Dubai Watch. This alert is information, not legal advice.