Death and prison sentences for members of espionage network linked to Mossad and Monafeghin in Karaj

Hossein Fazeli-Harikandi, Chief Justice of Alborz Province, reported that after hearings at the Revolutionary Court of Karaj, the verdict was issued against the espionage network linked to the Monafeghin Terrorist Group and the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

Recruitment of network members

According to him, the case involves two men residing in Karaj and a couple from Isfahan. These individuals established contacts through cyberspace and trips to a neighboring western country with Monafeghin operatives and Mossad intelligence officers, joined their network, and received various trainings. These included secure communications, online operations, navigation, target mapping, sending precise coordinates of sensitive sites, and manufacturing explosive projectiles, launchers, and firing systems. They carried out acts such as setting fire to several military and public facilities, filming these incidents, and receiving payments in cryptocurrency.

Activities and arrest of the network

The Chief Justice further explained that in May of this year, while under surveillance, the network received a new mission to attack a military site in Tehran. They were trained in manufacturing curved-trajectory explosive projectiles, navigation, target positioning, and selecting the best angles for filming terrorist operations. Initially, they conducted reconnaissance of the target site, sending photos and videos to their handlers to identify the precise location for launching the projectile.

Seized data-x-items from the defendants

Two members of the network were arrested before taking action, in possession of 10 ready-to-launch explosive projectiles. Through them, the other two members were also identified and detained. Authorities later discovered additional explosives, ready-to-use projectiles, and mortar-making equipment in their residences in Karaj and Isfahan, as well as in a safe house in Tehran.

Charges against the defendants

After investigations were completed and indictments issued, the case was reviewed in Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj. The charges included: “enmity against God (moharebeh),” “collaboration with hostile groups and the Zionist regime,” “conspiracy and collusion against national security,” “membership in a criminal group with the aim of undermining national security,” and “propaganda activities against the system.”

Sentences issued

The Chief Justice stated that the defendants were arrested about one month prior to the Zionist regime’s terrorist attack on Iran. Following court proceedings, the preliminary verdict sentenced two of the defendants to death and imprisonment, while the other two received prison terms based on their charges and activities. The total prison time handed down exceeded 26 years.

He emphasized that the ruling is not final; if the defendants appeal, the case will be referred to the Supreme Court for review.