The Israel Police and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) announced on Monday the arrest of a 27-year-old Israeli suspected of maintaining contact with a foreign government and carrying out missions for Iran.
According to the investigation, the suspect reached out to Iranian officials via social media and completed several assignments for payment. He allegedly photographed various sites at Iran’s request, including the Tel Aviv Museum, Abramovich Park in the city’s Bavli neighborhood and the site of an Iranian missile strike during the June war on Jabotinsky Street in Ramat Gan.
The Tel Aviv resident allegedly received thousands of shekels in cryptocurrency for his activities. During a search of his home, investigators seized digital evidence and 18 SIM cards allegedly used to communicate with Iranian handlers.
The suspect was arrested on Thursday, and his detention was extended until Monday. The court later released him to his home without house arrest.
The Shin Bet and police warned that Iranian intelligence continues efforts to recruit Israelis via social media for espionage and terrorist activities.
In an accompanying video, the agencies cautioned: “Iranian intelligence officials are constantly trying to recruit Israelis through social networks. ... Spying for the enemy is an act of betrayal, especially during wartime, and carries the most severe punishment. Don’t destroy your life. Report any suspicious approach from a foreign source.”
