An Iranian activist who was doxed by a pro-regime Telegram channel alongside dozens of other expats has said he now 'has a target on his back'. Ali Taranssari's personal information was published on the 'Bay of Pigs' pages that aims to 'identify overseas traitors'. The channel has exposed the bank details, contact information, relatives and locations of more than a dozen UK-based anti-regime campaigners to thousands of followers.
Security Concerns Raised
Security sources told Metro the level of detail and professionalism of the operation suggests Tehran could be behind the account and trying to intimidate opponents into silence. Mr Taranssari, who was doxed at the end of April, said: 'My first impression was to laugh it off. But the reality is that there is a major threat against us, and it's going to get bigger and bigger day after day. It puts a target on my back. There is an ample number of people who are seeing these names and details on this Telegram channel. We know that the regime is recruiting for people to do their dirty work on British soil.'
Channel Operations
The 'Bay of Pigs' channel operates across Telegram and Iranian channel Eitaa and has thousands of followers reading details about doxed Iranian activists who are opposed to the regime. There is also a connected smaller UK branch of the channel that specifically exposes the details of diaspora living in Britain. Metro has found evidence of bank details, names of family members and mobile numbers of British-Iranians being leaked. The channel revealed details of Mr Taranssari's business records and that he is a Reform candidate in Birmingham in this week's local election. The post labels him 'Pig number 11', 'a dirty pig', and describes him as a 'staunch supporter of the Pahlavi movement'. The channel appears to have been shut down by Telegram in the past and then set up again. The current pages have all been switched to private by admins.
Expert Analysis
UK counter terrorism specialist Roger Macmillan labelled the Bay of Pigs page as a 'diaspora intimidation plot'. He said the 'level of detail and targeting' meant the Telegram accounts 'may be state-backed'. The UK-specific account appears to be run by 'someone from the Persian community in the UK', he added. Macmillan continued: 'It is an attempt to spread fear. It is to make them nervous about their daily business. It is an information operation campaign.' It is impossible to know who is behind a Telegram account due to the site's privacy protections. Another security source specialising in Iranian affairs told Metro: 'The inclusion of personal data indicates at least some level of state involvement in what is likely an information operation intended to intimidate diaspora dissidents into silence.'
Wider Implications
Mr Taranssari – who has reported the post to Counter Terror Police and West Midlands Police – said he thought the posts were 'effectively a kill list'. The council candidate added: 'This is a professional job – it is not a lone wolf getting excited.' He claimed: 'It is definitely regime-backed and operated. It could even be the elements sitting within the Islamic Republic Embassy that are behind this.' As well as feeling 'quite exposed' because he is out and about canvassing for the election, he also fears the posts doxing him could have wider repercussions. The council candidate explained: 'Besides the risk on British soil, the biggest risk is for my parents who are in Iran. They are likely to get targeted because what I am doing here.'
Official Response
A Reform UK spokesman said: 'The targeting and doxxing of Reform UK candidate Ali Taranssari is deeply alarming and wholly unacceptable. This kind of intimidation is dangerous and no individual should be made to fear for their safety. We welcome the referral of this case to Counter Terrorism Policing. Reform UK will always stand firm in defending the safety and security of our candidates.' West Midlands Police said: 'We've received a report from a candidate for the role of councillor in relation to online messages, and are carrying out a number of enquiries.' The Iranian Embassy in London and the Home Office has been contacted for comment.
