Cyprus security authorities have arrested an Azerbaijani man holding a British passport on suspicion of espionage targeting the RAF Akrotiri base and planning terrorist activities for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
The suspect was detained on Saturday by Cyprus Police’s Crime Detection Department following an elaborate surveillance operation. He is accused of gathering intelligence against Western interests and participating in planning and executing terrorist actions.
The arrest came after the man travelled to Paphos airport and the “Andreas Papandreou” air base on Friday, the same day American transport aircraft and marines reportedly arrived at the facility.
Intelligence services had been physically monitoring the suspect to establish his exact movements before making the arrest.
Surveillance operation details
The Azerbaijani, who resided in Limassol’s Zakaki area near the British bases, had been operating in Cyprus since April carrying professional photography equipment. He possessed a Nikon Coolpix P1100 camera with 125x optical zoom and high resolution capabilities, typically used for surveillance purposes.
During physical surveillance, authorities observed him taking photographs on foot around the British base areas using both the professional camera and three mobile phones he carried. The suspect also travelled by bus from Limassol to Paphos, then walked to the airport before hiring a car to implement his plans.
Court proceedings and charges
At Limassol District Court on Saturday, a Crime Detection Department officer testified to secure an eight-day remand order. The suspect faces charges of terrorism, espionage, conspiracy to commit a felony, and participation in criminal activities.
The officer told the court that intelligence services had conducted physical surveillance, with an agent following the suspect to monitor his activities firsthand.
Similar case in Greece
The arrest mirrors a case in Greece where a 26-year-old Azerbaijani was detained on 22 June for espionage at Souda naval base.
That suspect used identical methodology, possessing a camera with 5,000 files depicting military installations and ship movements. He had special encryption software to send photographs to unknown recipients before deleting them.
The 26-year-old had booked a hotel room in Souda Bay on 18 June, prepaying for one month. During questioning, he maintained a rigid stance and refused cooperation, requesting legal representation.
International reaction
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revealed the terrorist attack target was Israeli citizens in Cyprus. “Thanks to the actions of Cypriot security authorities, in cooperation with Israeli security services, the terrorist attack was prevented,” Saar stated.
Channel 7 in Israel reported: “Israel thanks Cyprus for its immediate and effective actions. Iran’s criminal regime deliberately targets Israeli citizens, both in Israel and abroad”.
British media focused on the suspect’s British passport, with The Times headlining: “British man arrested in Cyprus for spying on RAF base”.
Authorities maintain strict secrecy around the case, with no information leaked regarding joint investigation between Cyprus and Greek authorities into both incidents. Reports indicate two arrests were made in Britain related to the case.
Read more:
