Israel charges alleged Iranian spy
Indictment filed against Ali Mansouri, Iranian who used Belgian passport to enter Israel three times with aim of setting up front company
An indictment has been filed with the Tel Aviv District Court Sunday against Ali Mansouri, an Iranian citizen, on charges of espionage and aiding the enemy at a time of war.
According to the indictment, Mansouri, who is also a Belgian citizen, was recruited by Iranian intelligence in 2012 and made three trips to Israel. It was noted that his behavior was consistent with undercover activities and that he entered Israel via Europe.
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According to the indictment, Mansouri was instructed to pose as a businessman and set up a company in Israel using his own business experience. His company was to serve as a cover for the activities of an Iranian agent who was meant to take over for Mansouri.
He was told to conceal his Iranian background even if questioned or caught.
His handlers asked him about security protocol at the Ben Gurion Airport, specifically the security check for passengers departing and landing. He took 16 photos at the airport.
Mansouri stayed at a hotel adjacent to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, in a room directly overlooking the building. He took several pictures of the embassy as well as of a security facility.
On his third trip to Israel, he negotiated a business contract with customers, held several meetings, put forward bids and took several steps to allow his handlers to set up a company.
He was arrested at the Ben Gurion Airport before boarding a flight to Brussels. During questioning he said he acted according to direct orders from his handlers, denied any connection to Iran and said he was an innocent Belgian businessman with no hidden agenda.
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