IRAN MODULES ON THE PROWL WORLD OVER
Investigations by Indian intelligence agencies into the magnetic bomb attack targeting an Israeli diplomat have thrown up some startling revelations. Indian agencies have come across credible evidence showing Masoud Sedaghatzdeh, the Iranian mastermind behind the Delhi and Bangkok blasts, had created similar modules in other countries targeting Israeli interests.
These nations are in Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe and Central Asia, particularly in former Soviet republics, where Sedaghatzdeh successfully managed to develop a network of sleeper cells and sympathisers.
The agencies, during the probe, stumbled upon a SIM card used by Houshang Afshar Irani, the actual bomber, to stay in touch with Sedaghatzdeh.
The Interpol has issued Red Corner notices against four Iranians, suspected to be involved in the attack on an Israeli diplomat here, following a request from the Delhi police.
The Interpol issued the look-out notices against Houshang Afshar Irani, Syed Ali Mahdiansadr, Mohammadreza Abolghasemi and Masoud Sedaghatzadeh, who was arrested from Kuala Lumpur airport.
Interpol secretary-general Ronald K. Noble said India’s request for the Red Corner notices would make it extremely difficult for the suspects to travel freely.
“Through requesting Interpol Red notices, India has ensured that law enforcement officials around the globe are alerted to the wanted status of these fugitives, and, therefore, reduces their options for international travel,” Mr Noble said.
Meanwhile, a detailed forensic examination of the SIM card, used by Houshang Afshar Irani, the actual bomber, showed that he made several calls with this card to his counterparts and modules in different countries.
Indian agencies have informed Israel’s Mossad, with which they have been working closely, of the locations and the numbers to which these calls were made or received.
Several of these modules were to strike around the time of the New Delhi, Tbilisi and Bangkok blasts, but were put on hold as the Bangkok attack didn’t go as planned. There was a strong possibility that Sedaghatzdeh might be linked to an Iranian intelligence agency.