163 people detained in Iran over Starlink terminal smuggling case

Iranian law enforcement agencies detained 163 people and confiscated 997 Starlink satellite internet terminals during a large-scale operation to curb illegal trafficking of communications equipment. This was reported by Hossein Rahimi, Head of the Economic Security Department at the Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to him, most of the equipment was smuggled into the country across the borders with Azerbaijan and Iraqi Kurdistan. Smugglers transported the devices in personal luggage disguised as household appliances, and also used the services of border courier carriers to move the terminals along unofficial routes.

Iranian specialized agencies estimate that at least 50,000 satellite units have been illegally brought into Iran since January 2025. Under current Iranian law, those found guilty of possessing and distributing these terminals face up to 10 years in prison.