Azerbaijan's State Security Service brings terrorism suspects to justice after international arrests VIDEO

Comprehensive operational and investigative measures are being taken in connection with criminal cases initiated by the Azerbaijani State Security Service regarding the activities of organised criminal groups composed of Azerbaijani citizens linked to international terrorist organisations.

The investigations focus on preparation for terrorist acts, including the establishment of underground hideouts in forested areas of the country's northern region, Caliber.Az reports, citing the State Security Service. 

These hideouts were reportedly being stocked with weapons, ammunition, explosives, technical equipment, and other necessary supplies for carrying out attacks. 

The investigation has revealed that Azerbaijani citizens Vugar Najafli, Jamal Gozalov, Tofiq Yusifli, and Dadash Hashimov—members of a group formed to carry out terrorist acts—left the territory of Azerbaijan in 2024 and went into hiding in mountainous areas along the border between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was established that the individuals took part in combat training and armed conflicts, and underwent military instruction for criminal purposes outside of Azerbaijan, as part of an international terrorist organisation.

As a result of joint operational and investigative actions carried out by the State Security Service in cooperation with foreign intelligence partners and law enforcement agencies, the individuals under investigation were apprehended abroad and extradited to Azerbaijan. Additionally, the measures revealed that the terrorist activities of Yusifli and Hashimov were financed by Azerbaijani citizens Mir Javad Huseynli and Tural Aghayev. Further criminal activities involving these individuals were also uncovered during the investigation. 

Members of the criminal group —Najafli, Gozalov, Yusifli, Hashimov, Huseynli, and Aghayev — have been formally charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They face accusations under Article 214-1 (financing of terrorism), Article 283-1.3 (promoting religious movements and participating in organised groups formed outside Azerbaijan under the guise of performing religious rites, driven by religious hatred, including participation in training and armed conflicts), among other charges. By court order, all six individuals have been placed under pre-trial detention. Investigative and operational measures related to the case are being taken.

By Naila Huseynova