10 arrested on Iran espionage allegations

An official spokesman from the Saudi government has confirmed the arrest of 10 people involved in an Iranian espionage cell.
The latest security operation comes in line with previous successful attempts at thwarting espionage activity.
A security spokesman confirmed that the latest cell to be busted had eight Saudis, in addition to Lebanese and Turkish nationals.
The Lebanese held in connection with the first cell was released due to lack of evidence linking him with other suspects.
A total of 27 suspects, including 24 Saudis, one Iranian, one Turk and one Lebanese national — all residents in the Kingdom — are being held pending administrative and legal action.
Last month, Lt. Mansour Al-Turki, a security spokesman for the Interior Ministry, confirmed that evidence from an initial round of investigations indicated the involvement of the suspects and their connection with Iranian intelligence agencies.
Further investigation also revealed that the alleged spies received monetary compensation in exchange for information on strategic locations for espionage activity.
Authorities continue to interrogate suspects pending the completion of governmental procedures.
In particular, a spy belonging to a cell of 18 people, of which 16 Saudis, one Iranian and one Lebanese national, was found to have paid regular visits to Iran.
The suspected spy was reading for a doctorate on Islamic unity at Qum University in the south of Iran.
Sources close to the defendant told reporters that he took an interest in studying moderate ideology during lectures, though he was described as an introvert who didn’t mingle much with fellow trainees despite his involvement in independent lectures and evening forums.