Azerbaijan cracks down on citizens involved in illegal armed groups abroad [VIDEO]

Azerbaijani authorities have carried out comprehensive
investigative measures following reports that citizens of the
Republic of Azerbaijan were involved in the creation of illegal
armed groups and were being exploited by foreign intelligence
services for reconnaissance, sabotage, and terrorist activities,
Azernews reports, citing the Press Service of the
State Security Service (SSS).

SSS noted that the investigation revealed that Azerbaijani
citizens, who considered themselves part of the “criminal
underworld,” had been recruited into illegal armed groups operating
outside Azerbaijan. These groups reportedly included personnel
directed by officials of foreign states and were involved in
criminal activities beyond Azerbaijani borders.

The DSS reported that Amid Sameddin oglu Mammadov, born in 1995
and suspected of committing these crimes, was located abroad and
apprehended following a series of operational-search measures. He
has been brought to Azerbaijan to face investigation.

Additionally, Nurlan Ilham oglu Safarov, born in 1997, and Edik
Nabi oglu Israfilov, born in 1983, were also detained in connection
with these offenses and have been held accountable under
Azerbaijani law.

The suspects have been charged under Articles 12.1 and 279.1 of
the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, relating to participation in
illegal armed groups outside the country, and have been placed in
pretrial detention by court order.

Authorities confirmed that ongoing measures are underway, and
further information regarding other individuals involved will be
provided to the public in due course.