Mossad Reveals Iran Recruited Criminals to Infiltrate Israel and Target Officials

The Mossad disclosed on Thursday that Iran has been recruiting criminals to infiltrate Israel with the intent to harm senior Israeli figures. According to the Israeli intelligence agency, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been conducting a global terror campaign targeting Israeli and Jewish interests, recently intensifying efforts to carry out attacks inside Israel.

The Mossad, together with the Shin Bet and international intelligence partners, has thwarted dozens of planned Iranian terror attacks. A key operative, known as "Philip," who lived in France, was responsible for recruiting an operational cell composed of foreign nationals to infiltrate Israel. Philip was recruited by two criminal proxies, Baba Mahu-Zadeh Haji Jafan ("Babak") and Mahmat Nadim Yait ("Nadim"), who currently reside in Iran under the Ministry of Intelligence's protection.

These proxies are linked to drug lord Naji Sharifi Zindashti, a longtime criminal figure used by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence to advance terror activities. Philip traveled to Iran, met with his handlers, and was paid to advance these missions. Investigations uncovered connections between Babak and Nadim and their Iranian handlers: Kasadallah Behzad Okhsari, Khid Mazoomeh, Mohammad-Hussein Duki, and Hamid Kasemi.

Behzad Okhsari played a central role in Iran’s efforts to promote terror against Jewish and Israeli targets but was killed during the "Roaring Tiger" war. Philip faced severe consequences for his involvement, including expulsion from France. Despite setbacks, Babak and Nadim continue to operate terror cells from Iran and remain a focus of global intelligence agencies.