Iranian 'sleeper cells of radicalised Muslims operating in London' warns spy chief

Iran could be operating sleeper cells of radicalised Muslims in London to orchestrate attacks on Jewish targets across the UK and the West, a senior Israeli intelligence chief has warned. Brigadier General Yossi Kuperwasser, former head of research in the IDF’s Intelligence Corps, said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security were behind a wave of violence.

Mr Kuperwasser said: “Connecting Iran to the string of attacks against Jewish targets in the West is based on the circumstances and familiarity with the modus operandi of the IRGC and MOIS, both of which have sleeper cells abroad and use criminal gangs and radicalised Muslims. “The repetitiveness of the attacks increases the probability that they are being carried out by some organised cell.”

His warning follows a sharp escalation in UK antisemitic violence. On April 29, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, were stabbed in Golders Green, North London. Police declared the attack a terrorist incident, and Essa Suleiman, 45, is charged with attempted murder.

It follows the March arson of four Hatzolah ambulances and attacks on synagogues and schools. In response, the government raised the national terror threat level to severe. The Government has pledged a record £58 million for security in the Jewish community.

However, Mr Kuperwasser insisted: “Community cohesion is not a substitute for conducting a determined investigation that will lead to arrests that clarify who stands behind the attacks.”

He urged the UK to proscribe the IRGC, adding: “Designating the IRGC as a terror organisation is justified... and necessary in order to prevent it from operating in the UK.”

Mr Kuperwasser concluded: “The UK can and should do better on intelligence efforts. Clearly, what they have done until now was not enough.”

The Met Police declined to comment. The Home Office was asked for comment.