TEHRAN (HRNW): Iranian authorities have arrested the alleged leader of an organized network distributing “unfiltered” satellite internet services via Starlink. According to reports from the semi-official Mehr News Agency and the BBC, the operation was carried out by police in the southern province of Fars.
The Deputy Commander of Fars Police informed the media that the suspect, a 37-year-old man, had reportedly established a sophisticated network across several provinces to sell Starlink terminals and provide unauthorized internet access. During the raid on the suspect’s location, law enforcement officials recovered a Starlink device along with related technical equipment.
In the face of strict state-mandated internet filtering and censorship, demand for Starlink has grown within Iran; however, the government has declared the use of this technology illegal. Authorities claim such networks bypass national security protocols and state regulations. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the detained individual, while investigations continue to identify other potential members of the distribution ring.
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