Germany calls in Iranian envoy over spying claims targeting Jewish community

Germany Calls Iranian Envoy Over Suspected Espionage Targeting Jews in Berlin

Germany has summoned Iran’s ambassador following the arrest of a man accused of spying on Jewish communities in Berlin on behalf of Tehran, potentially as part of a planned attack.

“We will not accept any threats against Jewish life in Germany,” the foreign ministry stated on social media on Tuesday, confirming the diplomatic summons for envoy Majid Nili Ahmadabadi.

Authorities emphasized that the allegations against the suspect, a Danish national identified as Ali S. under German privacy laws, require a “full investigation.”

German federal prosecutors reported that the man was detained last Thursday in Aarhus, Denmark, on “strong suspicion” of working for a foreign intelligence service.

According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, “In early 2025, Ali S. received instructions from an Iranian intelligence agency to gather details on Jewish sites and individuals in Berlin.”

He allegedly surveilled three locations last month, “likely as preparation for further intelligence operations in Germany, which may have included potential attacks against Jewish targets.”

After being extradited from Denmark, the suspect will appear before an investigating judge at Germany’s federal court of justice. Prosecutors noted the case was built on evidence gathered by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.

Johann Wadephul, speaking after visiting a synagogue in Odesa, told media outlets that, if confirmed, the incident “would once again show Iran poses a global threat to Jewish communities.”

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig condemned what she called an “appalling operation,” stating that “safeguarding Jewish life is a top priority for the German government.”

Reports from a German news outlet indicated Ali S. had taken photographs of buildings, including the headquarters of the German-Israeli Society in Berlin—a group promoting cultural and scientific ties—and a residence occasionally used by Josef Schuster, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

Ali S., of Afghan descent, is allegedly linked to the Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to sources.

Schuster described the arrest as a “clear warning to those who dismiss the Iranian regime’s hostility toward Israel and Jewish people worldwide.”

The Iranian embassy in Berlin dismissed the accusations as “baseless and dangerous,” suggesting they were intended to divert attention from recent Israeli military actions against Iran.

Germany has increased security around Jewish sites since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023.

In September of last year, Munich police killed an armed suspect following an exchange of gunfire near the Israeli consulate. Investigators said the individual was suspected of planning a terrorist attack.