Egyptian paper: 'Mossad spy' tried to recruit Lebanese journalist

Al-Masry Al-Youm says Egyptian national accused of working for Mossad offered editor of major Lebanese newspaper money, talk show in exchange for his cooperation with Israeli intelligence

Ynet|Published: 12.21.10 , 19:36

Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm reported Tuesday that local security agencies revealed that Tarek Abdel Razek Hassan, the Egyptian national who is accused of spying for Israel, was assigned by the Mossad to recruit the chief editor of a major Lebanese newspaper who is close to the Syrian regime and Hezbollah.

According to the report, Hassan offered the editor money and the opportunity to host a television talk show in exchange for his cooperation with the Israeli intelligence agency.

Hassan, according to Egyptian media, served as a middleman between a Mossad handler and an operative in Lebanon. He allegedly gathered classified information that was vital to Syria's security services.

According to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Hassan also "posted ads on the internet to recruit Lebanese and Syrian cellular communications experts to work for the Mossad."

Reports published throughout the Arab world claim Hassan contacted Mossad via email and offered his services. During a meeting with an Israeli intelligence official in India, Hassan was given a $1,500 advance, and was trained in intelligence gathering at the Israel embassy in Thailand, the reports said.