Data Leak Exposes UAE’s Bid for Influence in Europe: Alp Services Uncovered

The United Arab Emirates  and Qatar are engaged in a battle for influence in Europe, with a recent data leak shedding light on how the UAE has sought to undermine its rival. A private intelligence company in Switzerland, called Alp Services, has been employed by the UAE to discredit Qatar by insinuating its involvement in Islamism and terrorism. 

Alp Services: Spying and Smear Campaigns

Alp Services, a private detective agency based in Geneva, has been tasked by the UAE to conduct character assassinations on individuals and entire countries. They specialize in spying and smear campaigns, catering to politicians, oligarchs, and countries. The company focuses its attention on linking individuals and organizations to Qatar and implicating them in Islamism and terrorism, without regard for factual evidence.

The Muslim Brotherhood and Qatar’s Support

Qatar supports the Muslim Brotherhood, a global movement dedicated to political Islam and establishing Islamic-based states. Qatar provides sanctuary to members of the Muslim Brotherhood from various countries and promotes their influence through media outlets like Al Jazeera. The UAE, under President Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ), banned the Muslim Brotherhood following the Arab Spring and has made it a personal mission to combat the group.

Alp Services’ Operations and the Data Leak

Alp Services, posing as a “private global public affairs and business advisory firm,” employs researchers, PR experts, and lobbyists to carry out its campaigns. The company’s operations, including those conducted in Germany, came to light due to a data leak in 2021. Around 3 terabytes of data were stolen from the agency’s servers and shared with European Investigative Collaborations (EIC), revealing the UAE’s attempts to influence European media and politics.

The First Victim: Hazim Nada

Hazim Nada, a businessman, was the first victim of Alp Services’ smear campaign. Due to his father’s association with the Muslim Brotherhood, false accusations were spread linking Nada to terrorism. The attack on Nada caused the collapse of his company and took a toll on his mental health. He plans to sue Alp Services and the UAE for damages.

Alp Services’ Strategy: Islamic Relief Worldwide

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), one of the largest Muslim aid organizations, became a major target for Alp Services. The company aimed to change the perception of IRW, which had received financial support from European governments, including Germany. Alp Services strategically presented negative information to media outlets and politicians, using intermediaries to maintain anonymity.

Lorenzo Vidino and Media Connections

Alp Services enlisted the help of Lorenzo Vidino, an Italian-American scholar and expert on the Muslim Brotherhood. Vidino established contacts with media outlets and provided secret service information, including in Germany. His involvement included compiling a memo on the Muslim Brotherhood in Germany and identifying individuals of interest. Alp Services used this information to manipulate media coverage and influence public opinion.

German Politicians’ Involvement

Alp Services targeted German politicians, exploiting their concerns about political Islam. CDU member of parliament Christoph de Vries received an email from a purported foundation employee criticizing Islamic Relief Deutschland. Although the email was sent from a fake address, de Vries acted on the information, urging the suspension of support for Islamic Relief. Several German media outlets reported on the story, leading to the German government’s suspension of support for Islamic Relief projects.

Alp Services’ Impact and Future Plans

Alp Services’ actions have had a significant impact on organizations and individuals targeted in their campaigns. Through extensive research, they compile lists of alleged Muslim Brotherhood supporters and forward the information to their UAE intelligence contact. The UAE’s partnership with Alp Services is expected to continue until 2025, with over 400 organizations and thousands of individuals across Europe being identified as part of the Muslim Brotherhood network.

The data leak has exposed the UAE’s efforts to influence European media and politics through Alp Services. The tactics employed by the company highlight the growing use of private intelligence firms with questionable research methods. German politicians unwittingly became involved in promoting the UAE’s agenda, raising concerns about their commitment to human rights. As the battle for influence between the UAE and Qatar continues, the role of private intelligence companies and their impact on European affairs warrants closer scrutiny.