Iran Sentences Belgian Aid Worker to 40 Years for Spying

Olivier Vandecasteele was also charged with money laundering
Belgian government says it plans to summon Iran’s ambassador

A demonstration for Olivier Vandecasteele in Brussels on Dec. 25, 2022. — A demonstration for Olivier Vandecasteele in Brussels on Dec. 25, 2022.
Photographer: Francois Walschaerts /AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Patrick Sykes and Arsalan Shahla

January 10, 2023 at 1:09 PM UTC

Updated on

January 10, 2023 at 6:04 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Iran sentenced a Belgian aid worker to 40 years in prison and 74 lashes for alleged spying, money laundering and currency smuggling, the state-run Mizan Online said.

Olivier Vandecasteele was handed four jail terms totaling 40 years, plus sentences of 74 lashes and a fine, according to Mizan, the official news portal for Iran’s judiciary.