Shin Bet uncovers alleged Iranian effort to lure Israelis abroad, possibly kidnap them

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

In this March 31, 2020, file photo, Iran's national flag waves as Milad telecommunications tower and other buildings are seen in Tehran, Iran. (AP/Vahid Salemi)
In this March 31, 2020, file photo, Iran's national flag waves as Milad telecommunications tower and other buildings are seen in Tehran, Iran. (AP/Vahid Salemi)

The Shin Bet security agency says it has uncovered an attempt by Iranian operatives to lure Israeli academics and business people abroad.

The agency says the operatives used spoofed emails, pretending to be academics, journalists, businessmen and philanthropists.

According to the Shin Bet, the operatives attempted to gather information about the Israelis and possibly lure them abroad with the intention of kidnapping or harming them.

In some of the cases listed by the Shin Bet, the operatives invited the potential victims to a conference in Europe.

“It is a well-known method of operation of the Iranian intelligence and security bodies, headed by the Intelligence Organization of the Revolutionary Guards, Quds Force and the Ministry of Intelligence,” the Shin Bet charges.

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