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U.S. Authorities Arrest Iraqi Man Accused of Planning Attacks in Europe and Canada
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed a complaint Friday charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi with organizing multiple attacks on Jewish targets and financial sites. The 32-year-old is accused of directing operations claimed by a previously unknown group and communicating with an FBI informant about further plots.
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U.S. authorities arrested an Iraqi man accused of directing a series of attacks on Jewish targets and financial institutions in Europe and Canada. The complaint unsealed Friday in federal court in Manhattan names Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, 32, as the organizer of operations claimed by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.
The document alleges al-Saadi coordinated firebombings of banks in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. U.S. consulate in Toronto in March, and the stabbing of two Jewish men in north London in April.
Recorded conversations cited in the complaint show al-Saadi discussing operations in Europe with an FBI informant and an undercover agent. He allegedly offered $10,000 for attacks on a synagogue and Jewish community centers in the United States while stating that activities in Europe were proceeding without additional assistance.
The complaint states al-Saadi posted claims of responsibility on Snapchat and Telegram under his own name. Prosecutors say the posts appeared shortly after each incident and sometimes listed targets in advance.
Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia first appeared on social media channels linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq in early March. European security services have previously reported that Iran has used criminal networks to recruit low-level operatives for similar operations.
U.S. custody. He appeared in court smiling but did not enter a plea and remains in federal jail in Brooklyn. U.S. drone strike in 2020. No plea has been entered and he could request bail.
