Azerbaijan's security service arrests man suspected of treason, espionage

Azerbaijani authorities have arrested a man suspected of cooperating with foreign intelligence services and committing acts of treason.

The State Security Service (SSS) said in a statement that Siyafat Farzaliyev, 54-year-old citizen from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, came under suspicion during ongoing operations aimed at preventing intelligence activities targeting Azerbaijan’s national security.

According to the investigation, Farzaliyev allegedly engaged in secret cooperation with representatives of a foreign intelligence agency while visiting a foreign country, receiving material benefits in return.

Upon his return to Azerbaijan, he is reported to have filmed military and strategically significant facilities in Nakhchivan city and Shahbuz district and passed the recordings to foreign operatives.

Authorities also seized components of a “Kalashnikov” type firearm from his residence during a search.

Farzaliyev has been charged under Articles 228.1, relating to illegal possession of weapons, and 274, relating to treason, of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. A court has placed him in custody, and investigative operations are ongoing.

The SSS described the case as part of continued efforts to detect and prevent threats to the country’s national security.

By Aghakazim Guliyev