Cypriot media, as cited by Ynet, reported that the suspect is a British national of Azerbaijani origin with alleged ties to the IRGC.
A local report indicated that “reliable information” about the suspect was received on Friday from the intelligence service of a foreign country. According to Ynet, the man arrived in Cyprus in April and had been gathering intelligence on foreign military forces stationed on the island.
The suspect appeared before a judge on Saturday, and his detention was extended by eight days, according to local reports.
Last week, Ynet reported that the intelligence community—though it did not specify which country—had growing concerns that Iran might launch missiles at British bases in Cyprus. The report followed accusations from Tehran that the United Kingdom was aiding Israel in intelligence gathering and in intercepting Iranian projectiles.
Meanwhile, Cypriot police have in recent days stepped up security around Jewish-linked sites, including synagogues and hotels where Israeli tourists are staying.
On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces facilitated the entry to an Israeli port of a passenger ship from Cyprus with 1,500 Israelis on board, as part of the Ministry of Transport’s “Operation Safe Return.”
The ship, which embarked from the Port of Limassol, docked at Ashdod Port at 4:30 AM, the military said.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have been stranded abroad since Israel’s war with Iran commenced on June 13, prompting the closure of the Tel Aviv’s main international airport.
