TEHRAN— Ardabil Province Prosecutor General Jalal Afaghi announced the arrest of a fugitive suspect, Hossein Shanbezadeh, in the northwestern city of Ardabil. 

Shanbezadeh's background

Shanbezadeh, a notable figure among subversives in cyberspace, was apprehended while attempting to flee the country. After being released from prison, he resumed activities that included insulting Islamic holy figures and cooperating with the Israeli spy agency Mossad. He was in contact with high-ranking Mossad officers through social networks, ostensibly under the guise of editorial work, but was in fact gathering intelligence for the agency.

Opposition-affiliated media have downplayed his arrest as merely due to his anti-revolutionary statements. However, Shanbezadeh's writings on social media frequently included insults directed at the Ahl ul-Bayt, particularly Imam Ali. Previously, in 2022, he served 3.5 years in prison for insulting Islamic sanctities. He was released after one year under a standard amnesty proposed by the judiciary, but resumed his offensive activities and espionage upon release.

Details of the arrest

Prosecutor General Afaghi detailed that Shanbezadeh, originally from one of Iran's southern provinces, was captured in Ardabil thanks to the coordinated efforts of the provincial prosecutor's office and the intelligence operatives known as the "unknown soldiers of Imam Zaman." Utilizing social networks, he had maintained contact with Mossad officers and was clandestinely collecting information needed by the Israeli spy agency.

Afaghi explained that Shanbezadeh had been moving between various provinces with the intent of evading capture and eventually fleeing the country. However, upon his arrival in Ardabil, a surprise operation led by the prosecutor’s office and intelligence authorities resulted in his arrest. The authorities meticulously tracked his movements, ensuring that his capture was swift and decisive.

This arrest underscores the ongoing vigilance and effectiveness of Iranian intelligence operations in countering espionage and protecting national security. The rapid dissemination of the news by foreign media outlets further highlights the international implications of such espionage activities and Iran's robust response to external threats.