Iranian agents use Telegram to recruit British citizens for anti-Israel protest activity - report

An undercover investigation by The Times newspaper has exposed an alleged Iranian intelligence operation attempting to recruit individuals in Britain via the Telegram messaging app. The operation reportedly offered financial incentives for organizing anti-Israel protests and creating antisemitic posters.

A reporter from The Times posed as a pro-regime sympathizer and communicated with a suspected Iranian agent for over two weeks. During their exchanges, the agent claimed to manage several UK-based operatives and maintain contact with individuals in Israel. The agent offered money for planning demonstrations in London and asked the reporter to recruit others from their social and work networks.

The agent also requested assistance with online tasks, including creating a petition against the "genocide" of Iranian children, and provided images for posters. One image blamed "mass starvation" in Iran on "Epstein and the Kahanists," while another referenced anti-Trump imagery.

Israeli prosecutors have linked the same Telegram account to an individual from Holon who was allegedly recruited by Iranian handlers to photograph military bases and recruit others for payment. Neither the Iranian embassy nor Telegram responded to The Times' request for comment.

“

Anyone with any ability should declare it and explain what their abilities and access are so we can make a plan for them.