Antisemitism
Iran could be recruiting people online to carry out antisemitic attacks in the UK, according to a new report. Getty Images

In the wake of several antisemitic attacks across London, journalists found that an online group was openly recruiting potential agents to go after "Israeli" interests.

CNN reported that the group, called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), roughly translated from Arabic as "The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right(eous)," had taken credit for at least 17 incidents in the country.

The attacks have included fire bombings and arson attacks of synagogues and other Jewish sites such as schools in London and other European cities.

CNN reporters, posing as London-based Telegram users, found the group was brazenly recruiting operatives for its activities. The VIPEmployment Telegram account told one reporter that it was looking to "hire anyone who can harm Israeli interests or individuals."

Another account linked to the group offered to pay people to spread propaganda around London: "I want these posters to be printed in color and installed around the city on walls and bus stops. For each installation, with proof provided as a video showing street signs or surrounding buildings, $2 will be paid via crypto."

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According to Reuters, British police are looking into potential Iranian links to some of the recent arson attacks and the online group that has claimed responsibility.

"As ​the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, counter-terrorism policing and our partners remain alive to the threat of Iranian ⁠hostile activity in the UK," Vicki Evans, Britain's senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, told Reuters "We are aware of public reporting that suggests this ​group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves."

Among the recent incidents was an arson attack on the Kenton United Synagogue in April. Two teenagers were later arrested in the attack. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis told Reuters that the attack did not cause significant damage; however, he also pointed out it was the third such attack against Jewish-related sites in a week.

"A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum," Mirvis said according to Reuters. "Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait ​for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society."