Peruvian Judge Orders Preventative Detention for Alleged Iranian Plot to Kill Israelis

Peruvian Magistrate Miguel Quevedo has ordered 18 months of preventative detention for an Iranian and two Peruvian men over alleged involvement in a plot to kill two Israelis living in Peru. The ruling was handed down on Tuesday and released on Wednesday, sparking an investigation into the incident.

The defendants are accused of conspiracy to commit terrorism. The motive for the alleged plot remains unclear, according to the judge. However, police and prosecutors in Peru have suggested that the Iranian, Majid Azizi, may be associated with the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, responsible for intelligence work outside Iran. It should be noted that the association with the Quds Force has not been independently confirmed.

Israeli Embassy Acknowledgement

Following Azizi's arrest on March 15, the Israeli embassy in Lima expressed gratitude towards the Peruvian authorities for dismantling what was described as an Iranian attack directed against an Israeli citizen, Shachar Malka.

Further investigations revealed that Azizi had contacted Peruvians Walter Loja and Ángelo Trucios in March to plan the killing of Israeli Shachar Malka, who has been working as a tour guide and healer in Cusco for more than five years. The defense for Azizi has denied all the charges against him, citing a serious heart condition.

Background of the Individuals Involved

Shachar Malka, the intended target, is known for his work as a tour guide and healer with traditional plants in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. Another Israeli citizen allegedly targeted, Gilad Duchovny, has been based in Cusco since 2006, where he and his twin brother opened a cafe. Moreover, one of the arrested Peruvians, Ángelo Trucios, has a previous conviction for murder and aggravated robbery.

Iran's Connection to South America

Iran has been linked to intelligence operations in South America through the Quds Force of its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. This marks the first time Peruvian authorities have announced the arrest of an alleged member of this group.

It is worth noting that Iran's ties to Venezuela have previously raised concerns, with incidents linked to the Quds Force in Argentina and the alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center that resulted in 85 fatalities.

Iranian authorities have not commented on the allegations brought forward by Peruvian authorities. However, it is known that Iran has maintained close ties with Venezuela in the past.