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A Danish citizen has been arrested in Denmark on charges of gathering intelligence on Jewish locations and individuals in Berlin for Iranian intelligence services, as announced by German and Danish authorities on Tuesday.
The individual, identified only as Ali S. in accordance with German privacy laws, faced arrest on Thursday in Aarhus, according to statements from German prosecutors.
This suspect reportedly received directives from an Iranian intelligence service earlier in the year to surveil “Jewish localities and specific Jewish individuals” in the German capital, Berlin. Prosecutors disclosed this troubling information.
In June, the accused allegedly conducted surveillance on three specific locations in Berlin, likely intended for further intelligence operations, including the potential for terrorist activities directed toward Jewish targets, prosecutors indicate.
German authorities underscored the severity of the situation. During a recent visit to a Jewish synagogue in Odesa, Ukrainian officials expressed their concerns. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul remarked that if these suspicions were confirmed, it would represent an egregious act, reiterating that Iran poses a threat to Jewish communities worldwide.
In response to these allegations, the Iranian Embassy in Berlin issued a denial, characterizing them as “unfounded and dangerous accusations.” The embassy suggested that these claims were strategically aimed at diverting attention from recent Israeli strikes against Iran.
Previously, discussions between Iranian and German representatives highlighted that certain external parties might be attempting to manipulate public perception by staging artificial events, as stated by the Iranian Embassy.
In light of the ongoing concerns, German authorities have heightened security measures for Jewish and Israeli sites throughout the country. This response follows escalations during a twelve-day military conflict last month between Israel and Iran. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the risks posed by Iran, emphasizing Germany’s readiness to address any threats to Israeli or Jewish sites within its borders.
Reports from the German media indicate that the suspect allegedly documented his surroundings. He took photographs of prominent locations, including the headquarters of the German-Israeli Society and a residence associated with Josef Schuster, the President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, where he is believed to have occasionally stayed.
The German-Israeli Society issued a statement declaring that the extended arms of Iranian terrorism should have no sanctuary within Germany. They called upon the European Union to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization.
Echoing these sentiments, Josef Schuster emphasized the necessity for the German government to not only maintain vigilance but also to take decisive political action against the Iranian regime regarding this alleged terrorist threat.
As the extradition process unfolds, Ali S. will be transitioned from Danish custody to a German court. He is expected to face the German Federal Court of Justice, where he will be summoned before an investigating judge as part of the legal procedures following the extradition.
Authorities indicate that the suspect will remain in custody pending further proceedings until July 23, in accordance with orders from Denmark’s national security and intelligence service.
This report incorporates information from Reuters.
