Man convicted of spying for Mossad, assisting Israel’s failed sabotage plot executed in Iran

A man convicted of espionage for Israel’s spy agency Mossad has been executed in Iran following the completion of legal procedures and confirmation of the verdict by the Supreme Court, according to the Judiciary.

Hamidreza Sabet Esmaeilpour, who was found guilty of maintaining contact with a Mossad officer and transferring classified documents and information, was arrested in April.

Judicial officials said the case began after security units became suspicious of Sabet Esmaeilpour’s covert contacts with individuals linked to Israeli espionage networks.

Subsequent investigations uncovered financial transactions involving cryptocurrency conversions, with funds allegedly transferred through an exchange office to accounts belonging to one of his relatives.

Further probes into his online activities reportedly showed that he had sent documents to an Israeli spy.

According to the investigations, his activities included logistical and operational support for a failed Israeli sabotage operation targeting missile-related facilities of Iran’s Ministry of Defense. The operation was thwarted by Iran’s intelligence services in 2022.

The Judiciary said Sabet Esmaeilpour admitted during interrogations that he had established contact with Mossad through online communication and later exchanged emails with an individual identified as “Mike,” who requested his personal and professional details.

He was then instructed to communicate via encrypted platforms and follow specific security protocols.
Officials stated that, according to his confessions, he initially carried out smaller tasks — such as placing items in designated locations, conducting surveillance, and moving equipment — to gain the trust of the spy agency, receiving payments in return.

Investigators said he later carried out multiple vehicle transfers in the provinces of Isfahan and Lorestan, under the direction of Mossad officers. Some of the vehicles were later found to contain explosive materials, according to security officials.

In one account cited by authorities, Sabet Esmaeilpour described being instructed to guard a house in a village in Lorestan Province, retrieve a mobile phone left inside, and later move a vehicle to different locations, where he was instructed to hand over or collect equipment.

He also described additional vehicle transfers in Isfahan, during which he was directed to retrieve electronic devices concealed inside objects.

The Judiciary said Sabet Esmaeilpour also photographed and transmitted classified documents to Mossad, taking advantage of temporary access to sensitive materials.

He was ultimately identified and detained while still in contact with Mossad handlers, according to the statement. Authorities said that after his arrest, monitored communications helped security agencies uncover additional sabotage plots.

Following the completion of judicial proceedings, including hearings in which the defendant and his lawyer presented defenses, the court sentenced Sabet Esmaeilpour to death on charges of espionage and cooperation with Israel.

The ruling also ordered the confiscation of assets deemed to have been acquired unlawfully.