Mossad and UAE Intelligence Investigate Disappearance of Chabad Emissary in Abu Dhabi

The Mossad and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intelligence agencies have launched an investigation into the disappearance of Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in Abu Dhabi. Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen, went missing on Wednesday, sparking fears that he may have been kidnapped or murdered by terrorist elements. Early assessments suggest that the incident could be linked to Iranian operatives in the UAE, with intelligence agencies working together to uncover what happened.

Zvi Kogan was last seen attending scheduled meetings on Wednesday but failing to make contact thereafter. Concerned for his safety, Kogan’s wife contacted the Chabad House's security team, which then alerted local authorities. Investigators later confirmed that Kogan was last seen about an hour and a half away from Dubai. The incident has since been escalated to Israel News.

Authorities are exploring multiple scenarios, including kidnapping on UAE soil, murder and concealment of Kogan’s body, or even a cross-border abduction to Iran. The growing belief is that this could be part of an Iranian operation on Emirati soil, as Iran and the UAE share a maritime border. Investigators are currently reviewing security footage from Abu Dhabi's extensive network of closed-circuit cameras to piece together Kogan’s movements leading up to his disappearance.

Joint Investigation - Mossad and UAE Security Forces

The Mossad and the UAE National Intelligence Service have confirmed that an intensive investigation is underway. Both agencies are working together, amid mounting concerns for Kogan’s well-being. "Since his disappearance, and based on information suggesting this was a terrorist incident, a thorough investigation has been opened in the country," the Mossad stated.

Israel's National Security Bureau has previously issued a Level 3 travel warning for the UAE, citing a moderate threat and advising against non-essential travel to the region. Israeli officials are actively engaged in the investigation, with a focus on locating Kogan and ensuring his safety.

Family and Community in Shock

Kogan’s family has expressed their deep distress, noting that they had not heard from him since Wednesday. "Zvi is a kind and dedicated man who has been an integral part of the Jewish community here," said an Israeli resident of Abu Dhabi who knows Kogan personally. "His family is devastated, and the community is in shock. We are all praying for his safe return."

Kogan, who has served as an assistant to the Chief Rabbi of Chabad in the UAE, also founded and manages the community's kosher supermarket. He has been a key figure in the Jewish community and was known for his work in promoting Jewish life and education in the Emirates.

Diplomatic Context and Regional Tensions

The United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, a historic agreement involving Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. In recent years, the UAE has hosted significant Jewish events, including the first Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony held in the Emirates, which Kogan himself led.

However, Kogan’s disappearance comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Iran's influence in the Gulf becoming a point of concern for both Israel and its allies. The possibility of Iranian involvement in this case has raised alarms, given the history of Israeli-Iranian tensions.

Israeli Government Responds

The Israeli government has issued statements expressing grave concern over Kogan’s disappearance. "We are following this situation with great urgency," said Israel’s Minister of Religious Services, Michael Malchieli. "We pray that the cooperation between Israeli and Emirati security forces will lead to his safe return. In the meantime, we are strengthening security at Jewish institutions and Chabad houses worldwide."

Malchieli emphasized the importance of increasing vigilance around Jewish communities, particularly in countries where the threat level is rising.

Ongoing Efforts to Locate Kogan

As the investigation into Kogan’s disappearance continues, the Mossad and UAE intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to gather more information. The extensive network of surveillance cameras in Abu Dhabi is expected to provide crucial evidence in the coming days. Authorities are also continuing to analyze possible links to hostile groups in the region, including Iranian operatives.

For now, the global Jewish community is on edge, hoping for a positive resolution to this alarming situation, as Zvi Kogan's whereabouts remain unknown.