Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) has 10 people in simultaneous counterterrorism operations carried out in five countries over alleged preparations for attacks, terrorism financing and the creation of a clandestine criminal organization.

According to the SSS, the investigation uncovered a group allegedly led in part by Vugar Abdullayev, a previously convicted member of the extremist group known as Sumgayit Jamaat. Authorities allege that Abdullayev and several other Azerbaijani citizens had planned attacks against public and religious figures in Azerbaijan, gathering information on their movements and security arrangements.

The security service stated that members of the group had agreed to flee to conflict zones abroad after carrying out the planned attacks. Investigators also alleged that the network financed individuals involved in armed conflicts overseas on religious grounds, including members of internationally recognized terrorist organizations.

Authorities further reported that some of the financing was organized through cryptocurrency and involved Azerbaijani citizens living abroad. Funds were allegedly raised through fictitious social media advertisements presented as appeals for religious rituals before being transferred through various channels.

The SSS noted that cooperation with security agencies in other countries helped uncover a broader network involving people based in several states. Ten suspects were detained in the coordinated operations, while Elshan Asgarov, who was detained abroad, was subsequently extradited to Azerbaijan.

The suspects face charges related to terrorism financing, establishing a criminal organization, and preparing attacks on state or public figures, among other offenses. A court has ordered their pretrial detention, and investigative measures remain underway.