Malaysia arrests armed man suspected of being an Israeli spy
Last Updated on March 30, 2024 9:26 am
As of my last update in January 2022, Malaysia has arrested an individual suspected of being an Israeli spy. The man, aged 36, was apprehended at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Upon his arrest, he was found in possession of six handguns and 200 bullets. Authorities believe he entered Malaysia from the United Arab Emirates using a fraudulent French passport.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain stated that the suspect presented an Israeli passport during questioning, raising suspicions of espionage. While the suspect claimed he was in Malaysia to resolve a family dispute with another Israeli citizen, authorities are skeptical of his explanation.
Investigations are underway to determine the source of the weapons, which were allegedly purchased using cryptocurrency within Malaysia. Security measures have been heightened for prominent Malaysian figures following the arrest.
Malaysia, being a predominantly Muslim country, has historically supported the Palestinian cause and criticized Israel’s actions in conflicts such as the Gaza war. The country does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and hosts a significant number of Palestinian refugees.
This incident echoes previous tensions between Malaysia and Israel, including the 2018 killing of a Palestinian scientist in Kuala Lumpur, which was attributed by some to Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, a claim denied by Israel.