Sensational details of the Toplum TV case: "journalists" used intelligence service methods

Baku TV continues to receive interesting and shocking information related to the high-profile Toplum TV case. The most striking fact is that individuals posing as journalists were actually using secret methods of special services officers.

Electronic data carriers seized during the search of arrested "journalist" Farid Ismayilov of Toplum TV revealed that foreign-funded "media representatives" were using special technical means and code names to maintain confidentiality. Foreign handlers preferred the Signal mobile application, which allows hiding user identity, to manage these individuals acting under the guise of journalists. Thus, since information about foreign handlers and actual leaders was kept secret, the real identity of people known under code names remained unknown to ordinary employees.

For instance, journalists Farid Ismayilov, Gulyeter Mamedova, and Jamila Azimova, who prepared video reports and other materials for Toplum TV, received assignments through Signal from individuals with code names Romeo, Turan Hasanli, and Redo. A systematic investigation revealed that Romeo was Toplum TV coordinator Parvana Gurbanova living in the Czech Republic, Redo was former Radio Liberty employee Orkhan Rustamzade from Georgia, and Turan Hasanli was editor Shahnaz Huseynova, who previously worked as a host at Toplum TV.

Furthermore, it was discovered that "3rd Republic" platform members Elman Fattah, living in Prague, and Ahad Ahadli from Austria still ensure the flow of donor funds to Toplum TV. Such methods of conspiracy and foreign funding are more reminiscent of special services work than genuine journalism.

The investigation of arrested Farid Ismayilov's illegal activities revealed other interesting details. It turned out that the "journalist" had close ties with several anti-Azerbaijani individuals and organizations to whom he transmitted information.

Among them are Nicholas Lewis, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists representative for Central Asia and the Caucasus, and Julien Mousso, French Foreign Ministry's information and media cooperation advisor, known for his anti-Azerbaijani stance and work with media organization Forbidden Stories. Ismayilov closely collaborated with these individuals.

Additionally, it was revealed that Farid negotiated with Europe-based journalist Ulviya Kerimova about transferring materials regarding arrested Meydan TV employees to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

But the most interesting fact was RSF's offer to conduct laboratory testing of Toplum TV employees' mobile phones for "spy" programs. Considering these individuals call themselves ordinary journalists, such exceptional measures raise suspicions.

Clearly, the group that included Farid Ismayilov functioned as both direct and indirect agents of influence for various anti-Azerbaijani individuals and organizations. They did not hesitate to conduct various subversive actions in the country at their handlers' direction. However, the vigilance of Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies prevented them from achieving their goals.