Iranian spy arrested in Germany: danger to Jewish institutions!

Iranian spy arrested in Germany: danger to Jewish institutions!

Ali S., a 53-year-old Danish citizen of Afghan origin, is in custody in Germany. He was arrested on June 26th in Aarhus, Denmark, at the request of the Federal Prosecutor General and subsequently transferred to Germany. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution had previously observed him in Berlin because he was suspected of spying on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, as tagesschau.de reports.

His activities are alarming: Ali S. is said to have spied on Israeli and Jewish institutions in Berlin, among other things. The focus was on a supermarket and the headquarters of the German-Israeli Society. The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs was also targeted - its minister Karin Prien has Jewish roots. According to the investigation, Ali S. is also trying to recruit people for possible arson attacks.

The investigation and the context

The Federal Criminal Police Office has taken over the investigation against the espionage suspect. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is accusing him of being a secret service agent, even though concrete attack planning has not yet been proven. In his questioning before the investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice, Ali S. remained silent and was visibly reserved with his statements.

In a further context, attention is drawn to the activities of Iranian secret services in Germany, which are increasingly directed against opposition figures. The federal government has confirmed that there have been nine investigations against 24 suspected Iranian agents in Germany since 2018, although no diplomats are among the accused. Ozi Ozar, an activist who is active in the Women* Life Freedom collective in Berlin, reported a break-in in his home that he believed was an attempt at intimidation by the Iranian secret service. According to taz.de, the Iranian opposition in the country feels increasingly threatened.

Vigilance is required

In view of the growing threat from Iranian secret services, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is warning German companies of possible espionage attacks. In particular, companies that employ employees with dual nationality or connections to Iran should inform their employees about the dangers of an investigation and initiation attempt, as stated on spiegel.de can be read.

Another alarm bell is the fact that the Iranian regime could potentially order attacks abroad, including in Germany. The focus here is clearly on opposition figures and alleged enemies of the state who represent a high target abroad. Ali S.'s activities do not represent an isolated case, but rather a frightening continuation of an increasingly intensive espionage and intimidation campaign that is also taking place in our neighborhood.