Key Points
- Israeli Mossad agent Catherine Perez Shaked, of French origin, allegedly infiltrated Iran’s elite by posing as a religious seeker and converting to Shia Islam.
- Shaked gained the trust of senior Iranian officials’ families, accessing sensitive locations and gathering intelligence for Mossad.
- She reportedly provided precise information about Iranian officials’ hideouts and residences, aiding Israeli operations.
- Iranian intelligence only discovered her identity after leaked photos surfaced; she vanished before authorities could apprehend her.
- Iran has launched a nationwide manhunt, but Shaked’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
New Delhi: A sensational espionage case has gripped Iran, sending shockwaves through its security establishment and making headlines worldwide. Iranian authorities have revealed that a female agent, identified as Catherine Perez Shaked a French national working for Israel’s Mossad successfully infiltrated the inner circles of Tehran’s top officials over the past two years.
How Did Mossad’s Agent Outsmart Iranian Security?
According to Iranian intelligence sources, Shaked entered Iran under the guise of a spiritual seeker. She publicly embraced Shia Islam, a move that helped her win the trust of influential Iranian families, especially the wives of high-ranking officials. Over time, she became a familiar face in the private homes of Iran’s power elite, even gaining access to private quarters that are usually under strict surveillance.
Her charm and intelligence allowed her to bypass layers of security. While security agencies routinely checked visitors’ mobile phones and scrutinized their backgrounds, Shaked managed to photograph sensitive locations and gather detailed information about officials’ residences and secret hideouts. She allegedly transmitted this intelligence directly to Mossad, enabling Israel to carry out pinpoint operations against Iranian targets.
The Fallout: Leaked Locations and Security Breaches
The extent of the breach became clear when Iranian officials, who had been relocating to avoid Israeli attacks, found their new locations compromised almost immediately. Each Israeli strike appeared to be guided by insider knowledge, fueling suspicions of a mole within their ranks.
A thorough investigation by Iranian intelligence eventually led to Shaked. Her identity was uncovered through photographs taken with various officials at private gatherings. However, by the time authorities pieced together the puzzle, she had already disappeared.
Where Is Catherine Perez Shaked Now?
Shaked’s current whereabouts are unknown. Iranian intelligence has launched a nationwide manhunt, circulating her photographs and details at all border crossings and airports. Security agencies fear she may have already fled Iran, possibly adopting a new identity to continue her espionage activities elsewhere.
International media have dubbed her Mossad’s “killer beauty,” and her daring operation is being hailed as one of the most sophisticated Israeli intelligence coups in recent years.
What’s Next for Iranian Security?
This breach has prompted a major shake-up within Iran’s intelligence and security services. Officials are reviewing protocols for vetting and monitoring foreign nationals, especially those who gain access to sensitive circles through personal relationships.
The incident has also heightened paranoia among Iran’s elite, with renewed scrutiny on all outsiders and even long-standing acquaintances.
