Saudi Arabia confirmed yesterday that the alleged spy cell busted last week had "direct links" with Iranian intelligence. It said legal measures would be taken against the cell’s 18 members that include 16 Saudis.
“Preliminary investigations and physical evidence that has been collected as well as the defendants' statements have all revealed direct links between the cell and Iranian intelligence services," said Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the Interior Ministry.
“These elements had regularly received sums of money in return for information and documents on important installations during the spy operation in the interest of these services," Al-Turki added.
On March 19, the Interior Ministry arrested 16 Saudis, an Iranian and a Lebanese citizen in four regions — EP, Makkah, Riyadh and Madinah — for espionage.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Tehran had nothing to do with the cell.
Al-Turki said: “We have found these individuals monitoring vital military, economic and civilian installations.”
A number of Saudis, meanwhile, denounced the espionage work by citizens and said they have cheated on the nation and the religion.
“Saudi Arabia has been targeted by many because they are envious of its wealth, its services to the two holy mosques and its implementation of Shariah,” said Anwar Eshqi, head of the Middle East Center for Strategic and Legal Studies.
The arrest took place between 8 and 9 a.m. last Sunday. Among those caught were two academics, a doctor and a cleric.