UAE IDs 3 Uzbek suspects in murder of Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan

(JNS) - The Emirati interior ministry announced that it has arrested "the three perpetrators involved in the murder of Zvi Kogan, a Moldovan national according to his identification documents at the time of entry into the UAE, where he lived as a resident."

The Emirati Ministry of Interior then confirmed on Monday, Nov. 25, that the three suspects arrested for the murder of Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan are Uzbek nationals.

Security authorities identified the suspects as Olimpi Toirovich, 28, Makhmudjon Abdurakhim, also 28, and Azizbek Kamlovich, 33.

Additionally, the ministry announced the initiation of legal proceedings against the suspects, with reports indicating that they could face the death penalty.

The ministry announced the arrests on Sunday night after authorities in the Gulf state pledged swift justice for the rabbi's murder. The United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel in 2021 as part of the Trump administration-brokered Abraham Accords.

"The ministry praised the vigilance and quick action of the security apparatus, ensuring the identification, pursuit and apprehension of the suspects in a short period. It also commended their efficiency in addressing attempts to undermine the safety and stability of the UAE community," Monday's statement read in part.

Kogan was allegedly abducted and murdered by the three suspects, acting on orders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The suspects are believed to have tracked the rabbi, monitored his daily activities, and ultimately kidnapped and killed him. Following the abduction, Kogan's car was discovered with evidence of violence and blood.