- Abraham Golan, a dual Hungarian-Israeli citizen, was allegedly hired by the UAE to conduct a covert operation against Anas al-Tikriti, a British-Iraqi activist, in London.
- Golan contacted a British strategist named Victor in November 2016, seeking channels to Tikriti and the Cordoba Foundation.
- In December 2016, Golan traveled to London, where he offered Victor £50,000 ($68,000) to help locate Tikriti, later increasing the offer to £100,000 ($136,000).
- Golan's operation involved a month of planning and several days on the ground in London, with Emirati records confirming he was paid by the UAE throughout this period.
- During the operation, Golan's associate made a threatening gesture, suggesting the possibility of physically eliminating Tikriti.
- After the operation, Tikriti was warned by police about threats to his safety, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
- Golan's operation in London followed his previous work for the UAE in Yemen, where he was involved in targeting individuals linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
- In 2014, the UAE designated the Cordoba Foundation and other organizations as terrorist groups, which influenced their actions against Tikriti.
- Despite the UAE's designation, a 2015 UK government review found no evidence linking the Muslim Brotherhood to terrorist activities in Britain.
Abraham Golan, a dual Hungarian-Israeli citizen and head of the private security firm Spear Operations Group, was reportedly hired by the United Arab Emirates to conduct a covert operation against Anas al-Tikriti, a prominent British-Iraqi activist and chief executive of the Cordoba Foundation.12
Golan's operation in London, which took place in December 2016, involved extensive planning and was funded by the UAE, as revealed by confidential Emirati records. He was reportedly receiving a six-figure annual retainer and substantial bonuses, including a $1 million payment shortly before his trip.4
During his time in the UK, Golan sought assistance from a British strategist, identified as 'Victor', offering £50,000 (approximately $68,000) to locate Tikriti, later increasing the offer to £100,000 (around $136,000). Golan's communications hinted at a larger agenda, stating, 'War is coming to Europe and we are at the beginning of a huge program.'3
Golan's associate, a former US Navy Seal, ominously gestured across his throat when discussing Tikriti's fate, indicating potential plans for physical harm. Following these threats, Tikriti was visited by police who warned him to remain vigilant for his safety.
The UAE's motivations stem from its view of Tikriti and the Cordoba Foundation as aligned with groups it considers terrorist organizations, highlighting the geopolitical tensions surrounding activism and security in the region.10
“Golan was reportedly paid a six-figure annual retainer by the UAE, with a $1m payment made weeks before his London trip. Following the operation, Tikriti was warned by police about threats to his safety, highlighting the serious implications of the covert surveillance.”
Middle East Eye
