Mossad investigating missing Chabad emissary in Dubai, may have been under Iranian surveillance

An investigation has been launched into the disappearance of an Israeli-Moldovan dual citizen who lives in the United Arab Emirates and has been missing since Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Saturday.

It said the Mossad and authorities in the Gulf country had opened the investigation based on information that the man’s disappearance was related to “a terrorist incident,” without providing further details.

“Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen and Chabad emissary residing in the United Arab Emirates, has been missing since Thursday afternoon,” the PMO wrote. “Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working tirelessly out of concern for Zvi Kogan’s safety and well-being.”

PMO says Israeli intelligence security agencies working to locate Kogan

The National Security Council has previously issued a Level 3 travel warning (moderate threat) for the UAE, advising against non-essential travel to the destination and recommending heightened precautions for those staying there, the office said.

Kogan's vehicle was discovered in a city about an hour and a half from Dubai, Ynet reported.

Authorities suspect that he was abducted by three Uzbek nationals who subsequently fled to Turkey, Ynet noted. 

The UAE’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, according to Israeli state broadcaster KAN, the UAE has opened an investigation into Kogan's disappearance. 

Chabad HQ said they were "deeply concerned" and that their emissaries are working closely with authorities as they investigate his disappearance.

"We pray, along with the worldwide Jewish community for his safe return, and we ask everyone to keep Zvi haCohen ben Ettel in your prayers."

Kogan served in the IDF, managed a supermarket in Dubai, and is married to an American woman.

Information in Israel’s possession indicates that Kogan may have been under Iranian surveillance, reports said.

The Chabad branch in the UAE supports thousands of Jewish visitors and residents in the country, providing religious and social services to Jewish people across the Gulf region, according to its website.

The UAE became the most prominent Arab state in 30 years to establish formal ties with Israel under a US-brokered agreement in 2020, dubbed the Abraham Accords. It has maintained the relationship during the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza.

This is a developing story.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.