VEVAK is the name of investigation agency of?

The correct answer is Iran.

VEVAK is the former acronym (and still commonly used shorthand) for the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In Persian, it is known as Vezarat-e Ettela'at va Amniyat-e Keshvar. It is one of the most powerful and secretive government ministries in Iran, responsible for both domestic intelligence gathering and foreign counter-intelligence.

Evolution of the Name

The name "VEVAK" actually dates back to the agency's earlier iterations. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new government dismantled the Shah's notorious secret police, SAVAK. In its place, several intelligence groups were formed, which were eventually consolidated into a single ministry in 1983. While the official acronym today is often referred to as MOIS (Ministry of Intelligence and Security), "VEVAK" remains a frequent term in international intelligence circles and general knowledge literature.

Role and Responsibilities

Unlike intelligence agencies in many other countries that are independent of the cabinet, VEVAK is a formal government ministry. However, it occupies a unique position: the Minister of Intelligence must be a member of the clergy (a mujtahid). The agency reports to both the President of Iran and the Supreme Leader. Its primary duties include:

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  Internal Security: Monitoring and suppressing domestic dissent, political opposition, and groups deemed a threat to the Islamic Republic.

  
  
   
  
  


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  Counter-Intelligence: Identifying and neutralizing foreign spies or saboteurs operating within Iranian borders.

  
  


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  Foreign Intelligence: Collecting information on regional rivals and global powers to support Iran's foreign policy and military strategy.

  
  


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  Anti-Terrorism: Tracking and disrupting militant groups that target Iranian interests.

  
  

VEVAK vs. the IRGC Intelligence

One of the complexities of the Iranian intelligence landscape is the overlap between VEVAK and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While VEVAK is a state ministry with a broader civilian and bureaucratic structure, the IRGC intelligence branch is a military-based organization that has gained significant power in recent decades. The two agencies often cooperate but are also known to compete for influence and resources within the Iranian power structure.

Global Operations

Internationally, VEVAK has been frequently mentioned in reports regarding "shadow wars" in the Middle East. It is known for its sophisticated cyber-intelligence capabilities and its ability to conduct human intelligence (HUMINT) operations across the region. Because of its secretive nature, much of its budget and the exact number of its personnel are not publicly disclosed, adding to its reputation as a formidable and mysterious entity.

For students of general knowledge, distinguishing between SAVAK (the pre-1979 agency) and VEVAK/MOIS (the post-1979 agency) is essential for understanding the political history of modern Iran.