Iran executes Mossad cyber network leader

Iranian authorities have announced the execution of Mohammad Amin Mahdavi-Shayesteh, accused of heading a cyber espionage network affiliated with Israel’s Mossad intelligence service.

Mahdavi-Shayesteh, son of Ahmad, was sentenced to death following a full criminal trial, with the verdict upheld by the Supreme Court, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

He was executed earlier today for collaborating with the Israeli regime in intelligence activities.

According to court documents, Mahdavi-Shayesteh led a covert cyber team that worked closely with Mossad operatives. He was responsible for managing the network’s operations, transmitting orders from Mossad officers, and overseeing both virtual and on-the-ground missions.

Following initial contact with his handler, Mahdavi-Shayesteh travelled to a neighbouring country where he received training and coordination support while operating under the guise of an immigration services company. There, he reportedly met multiple times with two Mossad officers.

Leveraging his expertise in social media and cyberspace, he was appointed by Mossad to orchestrate psychological and media operations aimed at undermining Iranian armed forces personnel.

His responsibilities included managing a cyber network focused on branding and content production designed to target military staff and create websites aligned with Mossad directives.

Moreover, Mahdavi-Shayesteh trained other members of the network, passing on knowledge acquired from his handlers, codenamed Manijeh and Reza.

This training covered covert operations, secure communication practices, anonymity techniques, and safe behaviour in cyberspace.

By Aghakazim Guliyev