Camilla Jessen
A 53-year-old man has been detained in Aarhus, suspected of conducting espionage for Iran.
A 53-year-old man residing in the Aarhus area has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran, East Jutland Police and Denmark’s national intelligence agency PET confirmed in a joint statement.
German Request Leads to Arrest
The arrest took place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the request of German authorities.
The man is accused of conducting intelligence operations on behalf of an Iranian intelligence service, allegedly gathering and forwarding information to Tehran.
Later the same day, the suspect was remanded in custody until July 23, with extradition proceedings underway.
Iran Using Criminal Networks in Europe
According to PET, the case is part of a broader pattern in which Iran increasingly relies on criminal groups, intermediaries, and private individuals to pursue regime opponents and other targets across Europe.
“This is another example of how Iran operates in Europe to carry out or prepare attacks,” PET stated, as cited by Mig og Aarhus.
While Iranian intelligence activities have traditionally focused on targeting political dissidents within the Iranian diaspora, PET notes that this focus has expanded.
Iranian networks are now also believed to be targeting Israeli and Jewish interests across Europe.
The intelligence service considers this an evolving and serious threat.
“We are in close dialogue with our European partners and take the threat from Iran very seriously. We are closely following developments,” said PET Director Finn Borch Andersen.
Hybrid Threats and Proxy Actors
PET’s latest threat assessment highlights a worrying trend: state actors like Iran are playing an increasing role in Europe’s security landscape. Unlike terrorist groups, state actors have greater resources and can act indirectly through criminal networks or other proxies.
“Using violence through intermediaries is a way for states to project power without triggering open conflict,” Andersen explained.
Situation in Denmark
Although Iran’s activities abroad have not led to widespread disruption in Denmark, PET warns that Iranian-linked operations have been seen on Danish soil before.
“States like Iran have significant capabilities. That’s why we consider this a serious threat, even here in Denmark,” said Andersen.
However, he emphasized that there is no cause for panic:
“All Danes should continue to live their lives as usual. PET is monitoring the situation closely and will implement any necessary and relevant security measures.”
