Radical extremist recruiter extradited to Azerbaijan PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s State Security Service has carried out operational investigations into a criminal case involving illegal armed groups involving Azerbaijani citizens, recruited by Iran’s special services.

Work is underway to establish those involved in the case, as well as to investigate their engagement in special military training outside Azerbaijan, indoctrination with radical extremist religious ideas, and involvement (under false names) in committing terror acts in other states, Caliber.Az reports, citing the state service’s press service.

The investigation revealed that the 1967-born Azerbaijani citizen Taleh Yusifov, using his influence and personal connections, lured the citizens of Azerbaijan to the ranks of the illegal military formation “Hüseyniyun” created in Iran, funded all related matters, and also participated in the actions of this formation under the nickname “Təqi”.

It has also been established that Yusifov, having crossed into Iranian territory since early 2016, together with Yunis Safarov (current prisoner), Rovshan Asadov and others, participated in military training with various weapons, in planning military operations in Syria using special equipment, and in special training on intelligence operations.

Yusifov has been already charged under Article 12.1, 279.1 ("Establishment of illegal armed formations outside Azerbaijan and participation in their activities") of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code and was arrested in absentia by court decision and declared internationally wanted.

The investigation established that Yusifov had been hiding in the territory of a foreign state, and was detained under international legal assistance procedures and extradited to Azerbaijan.

The investigation continues, the press service of the State Security Service announced.