According to reports received by Karun Human Rights Organization, intelligence forces of the IRGC Vali-Asr Unit arrested dozens of Arab citizens in the Ahwaz region (Khuzestan Province) on November 29, 2025, under the pretext of conducting genetic testing.
Among those detained, the identities of Seyed Hamid Sowaiti, an Arab civil activist residing in Ramez County (Ramhormoz), and Amin Akbari, a resident of Gandoman, have been confirmed by Karun.
Informed sources report that the detainees had previously submitted DNA samples to the company FamilyTreeDNA. The samples were reportedly sent to a Gulf–Israeli-linked company for analysis, a matter that authorities have cited as the basis for opening criminal cases against the individuals involved.
According to available information, as of Monday, December 15, at least 10 of the detainees have been transferred to Wards 5 and 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz. Their cases have been referred to Branch 13 of the Ahwaz Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, presided over by Saeed Liraki, where temporary detention orders have been issued on charges of “communication with a Gulf–Israeli genetic research company.”
Karun has further reported that more than 170 individuals across the Ahwaz region and other parts of Iran who had submitted genetic samples to this company have been arrested on accusations of cooperation with hostile states.
FamilyTreeDNA is an international company specializing in genetic testing and DNA analysis, offering services such as ancestry tracing and familial history research.
