Iran arrests ‘Israeli spy’

A man suspected of spying for Israel was arrested by Iranian authorities Monday in the city of Kerman, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

Dadkhoda Salari, the manager of the district’s courts, announced that the man, a trader with connections in Asia, was taken into custody and brought before a judge after lengthy efforts by security forces.

The suspect, whose name was not revealed, allegedly contacted a security officer at the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok while visiting Thailand on business. Salari said the man offered to pass on information regarding the geographical layout of Kerman, as well as commerce and trade in the city and the surrounding region.

Salari added that the suspect was apprehended before he could pass on any information. Since the man was “knowingly and voluntarily” spying for Israel, the trial would be conducted soon, he said.

In June, Iran arrested 12 people it said were members of a British-Israeli spy ring operating within the Islamic Republic. In 2012, a group of 13 was accused of helping Israel assassinate Iranian scientists. Majid Jamali Fashi was executed after being found guilty of working for the Mossad.