Police in Iran’s Qom province have said that 22 people “linked to Israeli spy services” had been arrested since June 13, AFP says, citing a Fars report.

“22 people were identified and arrested on charges of being linked to the Zionist regime’s spy services, disturbing public opinion and supporting the criminal regime,” the agency said, citing the head of police intelligence in Qom.

It came after Iranian police announced the arrest on Thursday of 24 people accused of spying for Israel and of seeking to tarnish the country’s image, according to a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

A European national was also arrested for spying, Tasnim reported yesterday, without giving their nationality or the date of the arrest.

Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights has said at least 223 people have been arrested nationwide on charges related to collaboration with Israel, cautioning that the actual figure was likely higher.