An Azerbaijani man and his partner have been arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of terrorism and espionage after allegedly photographing Israeli-linked buildings.
- An Azerbaijani man and his partner have been arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of terrorism and espionage after allegedly photographing Israeli-linked buildings.
The Nicosia District Court ruled on Friday that the pair should be remanded in custody for five days as investigations continue. They were reportedly found documenting sites connected to Israeli interests in popular locations, including Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.
Surveillance and Arrest
According to reports, foreign intelligence services alerted Cypriot authorities about the couple’s suspicious activities. They had entered Cyprus just two to three days prior, moving between various areas before being placed under surveillance by security forces.
With plans to leave the island on Saturday, the suspects were apprehended before they could depart. Police have since seized their mobile phones and electronic devices for forensic examination to uncover what information may have been gathered and if any data had been transmitted elsewhere.
Heightened Security Measures
Cypriot authorities are treating the situation as serious, prompting the implementation of protective measures around several premises linked to Israeli interests. This comes amid increased tensions involving Iran, which have heightened concerns regarding espionage activities.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations are still in the early stages, with officials working to establish the exact timeline of the suspects’ entry into Cyprus and the identity of those they may have been operating for. Searches of the suspects’ accommodation and their movements around the island are expected to follow.
A Pattern of Espionage Cases
This incident is not an isolated case. It follows a series of alleged espionage activities involving Azerbaijani nationals in Cyprus. In June 2025, another Azerbaijani individual was arrested for photographing the British Base at Akrotiri and the Andreas Papandreou Base in Paphos. Additionally, a separate Azerbaijani national was convicted in November 2021 for conspiracy after charges related to planned actions against Israelis in Nicosia were dropped.
