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Arrested in Ben-Gurion Airport (Archive)
Photo: Ofer Amram

Israel indicts Saudi man for working for Hamas

Saudi computer engineer caught in airport last month charged with using Australian, Jordanian passports to enter Israel in order to gather intelligence for terror group

A Saudi holder of Australian and Jordanian passports was indicted Sunday in the Petah Tikva District Court for spying on behalf of Hamas.

 

Iyad Rashid Abu Arga, a 47-year-old computer engineer, was charged with being a member in an illegal organization and serving an illegal organization. His remand was extended until all legal proceedings against him are complete.

 

According to the indictment, Abu Arga contacted a Hamas activist named Abu Nazmi while he resided in Australia in 2007.

 

Abu Nazmi inquired Abu Arga about his ability to contribute to the Palestinian struggle and his knowledge of encryption. During the meeting it was decided that the defendant would be referred to as Bashar or Bashir.

 

Approximately two months later, Abu Arga met with a Hamas man who questioned him about his life and activities in Australia. Finally, in 2008, Abu Arga met with Abu Nazmi and four other Hamas members in Syria, where he was taught how to fire a gun and a rifle.

 

The suspect was later asked to assist the activists on computer issues and tracking devices, including encrypted telephones, panoramic photography devices and technologies to track and guide missiles.

 

In 2010, Abu Arga met with Dr Burhan in the city of Mecca and then in Riyadh, where the suspect was asked to prove to Hamas that he is able to enter and exit Israel with his Australian passport as well as to check how the Israeli security operates.

 

Abu Arga was also asked to visit business exhibitions in Israel having to do with his occupation in order to form business relationships with Israeli computer companies, photograph the places he visited and collect maps and advertisements about his tours.

 

The suspect was slated to meet with Dr Burhan upon his return from Israel, but he was arrested in Ben-Gurion Airport last month as he attempted to enter the country.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.19.11, 23:35
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