Baku: Azerbaijani citizens have been detained for committing serious crimes on the instructions of foreign intelligence agencies. Comprehensive investigative measures were conducted following information regarding the creation of illegal armed formations composed of Azerbaijani citizens and their use by foreign intelligence agencies for espionage, sabotage, and terrorist activities, the State Security Service told AZERTAC.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, authorities identified and exposed Azerbaijani citizens involved in organizing the activities of an illegal armed formation outside Azerbaijan. These activities targeted officials of a foreign state, involved committing other criminal acts within that formation, and presenting themselves as members of the ‘criminal world.’
Among those detained is Mammadov Amid Sameddin oglu, born in 1995, whose involvement in these criminal activities was established. He was detained abroad through operational-search measures, brought to Azerbaijan, and placed under investigation.
Additionally, Nurlan Ilham oglu Safarov, born in 1997, and Edik Nabi oglu Israfilov, born in 1983, are also suspected of participation in these crimes. They were detained and held criminally responsible.
The individuals were charged under Articles 12.1 and 279.1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which pertains to participation in armed formations not provided for by Azerbaijani law outside the country. They were placed in pretrial detention by court order.
Authorities have stated that further information will be provided regarding ongoing investigations and other individuals held criminally responsible.