3 months ago
17
A
Paris court
charged a couple for their alleged involvement in
Iranian-backed plots
to
assassinate Jews
in Germany and
France
. The suspects, identified as Abdelkrim S, 34, and his partner Sabrina B, 33, were charged on May 4 with conspiring with a criminal terrorist organization.
The couple has been placed in pre-trial detention as investigations continue, according to police sources speaking to AFP.
The case, known as "Marco Polo," was first reported by French news outlet Mediapart and signals a worrying resurgence of Iranian state-sponsored terrorism across Europe.
"Since 2015, the Iranian (secret) services have resumed a targeted killing policy," the French security agency wrote, adding that "the threat has worsened again in the context of the Israel-Hamas war".
A report from France's General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) indicates that Iranian secret services have resumed a targeted killing policy since 2015, with the threat worsening amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to the DGSI, Iran's goal was to target civilians, particularly Jews and Israelis living in Europe, as well as political opponents. The Iranian regime is accused of enlisting criminals, including drug lords, to carry out its operations.
Key suspect with criminal past
Abdelkrim S, who had previously served a 10-year sentence for a killing in Marseille, was released on probation in July 2023. He is now accused of being the primary France-based operative for the Iran-backed cell. Investigators believe he was involved in planning violent acts both in France and Germany, including making multiple trips to Germany—despite his probation restrictions—for reconnaissance purposes. His wife, Sabrina B, reportedly accompanied him on these trips.
Abdelkrim S denies any involvement in terrorism, claiming that his travels to Germany were purely for shopping. French authorities have also linked the cell to several arson attempts on Israeli-owned companies in southern France between December 2023 and January 2024. These attacks were reportedly intended to intimidate Jewish communities.
Denial of allegations
Despite the mounting evidence, Abdelkrim S has rejected the claims. According to police sources, he maintains that his role in communication on Telegram was related to a planned insurance scam, rather than terrorism.
