A Paris court has detained Abdelkrim S., 34, and his partner Sabrina B., 33, in connection with Iranian-sponsored terror plots aimed at Jews in Germany and France. The couple was arrested on May 4, accused of collaborating with a criminal terrorist organization.
The case, dubbed “Marco Polo,” highlights growing concerns about Iran’s return to targeted assassinations in Europe, as reported by France’s General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI). According to the DGSI, Iranian intelligence aims to incite fear among Jews, Israelis, and political opposition groups in Europe, with a renewed focus on civilians since 2015.
Abdelkrim S., previously sentenced to 10 years for a killing in Marseille, was released on probation in July 2023. He is suspected of being the key French operative in an Iranian terror cell, with plans to attack Israeli and Jewish targets in Paris and Germany. Investigators also suspect the group of plotting to burn down Israeli-owned businesses in southern France by early 2024.
French authorities believe Abdelkrim S. conducted surveillance trips to Germany, including Berlin, despite being on probation. The suspect has denied the allegations, claiming his trips were for personal purchases and maintaining that he was involved only in an insurance scam.
The case underscores a resurgence in Iranian state-sponsored terrorism, with European law enforcement agencies on heightened alert due to the evolving threat.
