Danish national arrested for spying on Jewish targets for Iran
- A Danish national named Ali S. was arrested in Aarhus for allegedly spying on Jewish sites in Berlin.
- The suspect was reportedly directed by Iranian intelligence to gather information on specific Jewish individuals and locations.
- Authorities' reactions highlight the serious threat posed by Iranian operations against Jewish communities in Europe.
In Denmark, a man named Ali S., a Danish national of Afghan descent, was arrested under a German arrest warrant for allegedly gathering intelligence on Jewish locations and individuals in Berlin. The arrest took place in Aarhus and was facilitated by Danish intelligence, acting on information from Germany's domestic security service. Prosecutors in Germany indicated that this man was tasked earlier in the year by an Iranian intelligence service to collect information about specific Jewish sites and individuals, presumably to prepare for future attacks. The investigation revealed that in June, the suspect spied on at least three properties in Berlin, which were notable Jewish sites. This was viewed as potentially preparatory activity for more serious intelligence operations, including terrorist attacks against Jewish targets in Germany. Following the arrest, German authorities expressed heightened concerns regarding the safety of Jewish citizens and institutions, prompting increased security measures to protect Jewish facilities. Germany's Justice Minister, Stefanie Hubig, strongly condemned the actions if confirmed, asserting that the safety of Jewish life is a top priority for the German government. There had been heightened tensions due to a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran that occurred earlier in June, leading authorities to believe that Iranian-backed operations in Europe might increase against Jewish communities. In a broader context, relations between Germany and Iran have been strained, particularly given Iran's influence and ongoing activities that have previously included espionage and threats against Jewish individuals and other dissidents in Europe. The Iranian Embassy in Berlin dismissed the allegations as unfounded and accused unnamed third parties of staging incidents to divert attention from Israeli actions in the region. As investigations continue, the European Union and various Jewish organizations are advocating for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to be designated as a terrorist organization due to these actions.