Germany Jails Two Men for Plotting Attacks on Jewish Leaders on Behalf of Iran’s Quds Force

HAMBURG (Terror Monitor) — A German court on Thursday sentenced two men to lengthy prison terms for spying on prominent Jewish and pro-Israel figures and preparing attacks against them on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its overseas operations unit, the Quds Force.

The Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg sentenced Ali S., a 54-year-old Danish citizen of Afghan origin, to eight years and six months in prison. His co-defendant, Tawab M., a 43-year-old Afghan national, received a four-year-and-six-month prison sentence. Both were convicted of intelligence activities on behalf of Iran and involvement in preparations for murder and arson attacks, according to German media reports.

The court found that the defendants had gathered intelligence on prominent Jewish and pro-Israel figures in Germany, including Volker Beck, president of the German-Israeli Society, and Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

The case has raised serious concerns in Germany about alleged Iranian intelligence operations targeting Jewish communities and supporters of Israel on European soil.

Volker Beck and Josef Schuster Among Intended Targets

Prosecutors said Ali S. received instructions from officers of Iran’s Quds Force in early 2025 to gather information on Jewish and pro-Israel targets in Germany.

According to the prosecution's case, the intended targets included Beck and Schuster, as well as a kosher grocery store in Berlin.

Investigators said the defendants monitored their intended targets and collected information that could facilitate attacks.

The court concluded that the activities went beyond ordinary intelligence gathering and formed part of preparations for violent attacks.

Beck, a former German parliamentarian, has been a prominent advocate for German-Israeli relations. Schuster heads the Central Council of Jews in Germany, one of the country's principal representative organisations for the Jewish community.

The alleged targeting of both men heightened concerns about the potential use of foreign intelligence networks to intimidate or attack Jewish community leaders and prominent supporters of Israel.

Prosecutors Say Quds Force Directed the Operation

According to prosecutors, Ali S. obtained instructions directly from officers associated with the Quds Force, the overseas operations branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The prosecution argued that he acted as an intelligence operative tasked with identifying targets and preparing attacks in Germany.

Court proceedings examined evidence relating to his contacts, movements and alleged communications with Iranian operatives.

German investigators also presented evidence that the defendants had collected information about Jewish individuals and locations that could be targeted.

The case involved allegations of attempted participation in murder and preparations for an arson attack against a Jewish-owned kosher business in Berlin.

The court found the defendants guilty after proceedings examining the alleged intelligence operation and preparations for violence. The sentences were consistent with those sought by federal prosecutors, while the defence had sought acquittals.

Co-Defendant Agreed to Help Recruit an Attacker

Prosecutors said Tawab M. agreed to assist Ali S. in arranging an attack against Beck.

According to the prosecution, the two discussed recruiting a third person to carry out the planned killing. The younger defendant was accused of agreeing to help find an individual for the operation and provide access to a weapon.

Investigators said the alleged arrangements formed part of a broader effort to prepare attacks against individuals identified as targets by the network.

The court sentenced Tawab M. to four years and six months in prison for his role in the operation.

The prosecution maintained that the defendants' activities were coordinated and that their actions helped advance preparations for the planned attacks.

Arrests in Denmark and Diplomatic Fallout

Both men were arrested in Denmark in 2025 before being extradited to Germany to face prosecution.

Ali S. was arrested in Aarhus in June 2025 following information provided by Danish intelligence authorities. His co-defendant was arrested later that year.

After Ali S.'s arrest, Germany's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to register a formal protest over the alleged Iranian intelligence operation.

The case became a diplomatic issue between Berlin and Tehran, with German officials expressing concern over allegations that Iranian operatives were directing activities against targets inside Germany.

When the charges were announced in May, Beck called on the German government to expel Iran's ambassador and consular officials.

He argued that the Iranian government was threatening Jewish life in Germany and targeting people because of their support for Israel and its democratic institutions.

The case has added to wider European concerns about alleged foreign intelligence operations, intimidation and plots against dissidents, Jewish communities and other individuals viewed as political opponents by foreign governments.

Iran Rejects the Allegations

Iran's embassy in Berlin rejected the allegations when the charges against the two men were announced.

The embassy described the accusations as unfounded and alleged that they had been made at the behest of Iran's enemies.

Tehran has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for the alleged operation.

The latest court ruling represents a significant development in Germany's investigation into suspected Iranian intelligence activities targeting Jewish and pro-Israel figures.

Broader Implications for European Security

The case has renewed concerns among German officials and Jewish community representatives about the security of prominent individuals and institutions amid heightened tensions involving Iran and Israel.

German authorities have increasingly focused on the threat posed by alleged foreign intelligence networks operating through intermediaries to gather information, identify targets and prepare attacks.

The Hamburg proceedings also highlighted the role of international intelligence cooperation, with information from Danish authorities contributing to the investigation and arrests.

Although the planned attacks did not proceed to completion, the court found that the defendants had participated in serious criminal preparations.

The convictions underscore Germany's determination to prosecute individuals found guilty of conducting intelligence operations for foreign powers when those activities involve preparations for murder and attacks against civilians.

The verdicts mark a major development in a case that has placed alleged Iranian intelligence activities, the protection of Jewish communities and Germany's security relationship with Tehran under renewed scrutiny.