The Israel Police and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) recently arrested a 23-year-old resident of Jerusalem on suspicion of espionage on behalf of Iran, authorities announced on Tuesday.
The suspect, identified by police as Erdler Amoyal, also made advanced preparations to carry out terror attacks in the Jewish state in exchange for monetary rewards, according to charges filed on Tuesday.
Amoyal was initially contacted by the Iranian regime in October through social media, first via a profile named “Ariana,” after which he was put in touch with an additional agent, dubbed “John,” who became his handler.
Amoyal was aware that he was speaking with an agent of a hostile country, but nonetheless agreed to carry out “missions,” including intelligence-gathering and spray-painting the texts “We Make Peace” and “Sinwar” throughout Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Amoyal allegedly also attempted to purchase a firearm with a silencer, as well as bomb-making materials. According to prosecutors, the suspect also watched video tutorials on how to make an explosive with the purpose of carrying out a terror attack in Israel.
Amoyal was said to have told his Iranian operators that he could set a police vehicle on fire or cut off electricity to the Jerusalem light rail. He allegedly filmed the light rail in an attempt to locate the power supply.
In exchange for the missions, as well as attempts to recruit others, he received payment from the Islamic Republic in cryptocurrency.
“This investigation once again reveals the efforts of Iranian intelligence agencies in attempting to recruit Israeli citizens for the purpose of promoting espionage and terrorist activities,” a Shin Bet official said.
The statement concluded by noting that the Israel Police and the Shin Bet “continue their preventive efforts against any action that may harm national security and the citizens of the State of Israel.”
“Espionage for an enemy state—during wartime and in general—is a serious and dangerous act that constitutes treason,” the statement added.
Earlier this month, three residents of northern Israel were arrested as part of two probes into Iranian espionage activity.
In mid-October, a resident of Petach Tikvah in central Israel was arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate a prominent figure on Iran’s orders.
Also that month, seven Arabs from eastern Jerusalem were arrested by security forces on suspicion of plotting to assassinate scientists and top Israeli officials on behalf of the Iranian regime.
In September, Moti Maman, 73, a Jewish businessman from the southern coastal city of Ashkelon, was arrested on suspicion of having met with Iranian intelligence operatives and assisting them in planning high-profile killings, including of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Maman even visited Iran twice this year, where he demanded $1 million as a down payment for a series of missions, according to the Shin Bet.
