Spy Plot Foiled: Tel Aviv Man Accused of Collaborating With Iranian Agents
27-year-old allegedly filmed homes of Israeli officials and military bases in exchange for crypto payments — indictment imminent
A joint investigation by Israel’s Shin Bet security agency and the Tel Aviv Police Fraud Division has uncovered a suspected Iranian espionage operation involving a 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident. Authorities say the man was in direct contact with an Iranian handler and carried out surveillance missions inside Israel on behalf of the hostile foreign entity.
The suspect allegedly documented homes of public officials, military installations, and even spray-painted anti-government graffiti at the direction of Iranian agents. According to investigators, he was compensated with thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency for completing assigned missions.
The man was arrested on June 22, when police raided his apartment in central Tel Aviv and seized multiple digital devices and computers suspected of being used to communicate with his Iranian contacts.
Following weeks of detention and court-approved extensions, a formal prosecutor’s declaration was filed today, signaling that a full indictment is expected in the coming days. Authorities are also requesting that he remain in custody until the end of legal proceedings.
According to security officials, this case is part of a broader pattern of Iranian intelligence efforts to recruit Israelis online, often through anonymous messaging on social media or encrypted apps.
Israel’s police and Shin Bet issued a joint statement warning the public to remain vigilant: "Foreign intelligence and terror entities are actively attempting to recruit Israeli citizens to carry out surveillance and hostile activities. We urge all citizens to avoid any contact with suspicious foreign parties, especially through online platforms."
The suspect’s name remains under a gag order.