Crypto-Paid Spy Ring: Shin Bet Uncovers Alleged Espionage Plot

Israeli security forces recently announced the arrest of three citizens suspected of spying for Iran, including a 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident who allegedly received cryptocurrency payments for intelligence gathering.

Tel Aviv Resident Receives Thousands in Crypto

Israeli’s security service Shin Bet and the Israeli Police announced on June 22 that it had arrested a 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident on suspicion of spying for Iran in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. The unnamed suspect is believed to have received thousands of dollars for work done over the course of several months.

According to an I24 report, Israeli authorities believe the suspect had been in contact with an Iranian agent who assigned him various tasks including photographing the homes of Israeli public officials, documenting military installations, and spray-painting graffiti. During a search of his residence, law enforcement officials seized computers and other digital equipment believed to have been used to communicate with his Iranian handlers.

The Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court has since extended the suspect’s detention until June 26 as the investigation continues.

In a joint statement, the police and Shin Bet issued a stern warning about ongoing attempts by Iranian intelligence services and affiliated terrorist organizations to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and other hostile activities. They emphasized that such recruitment frequently occurs via social media platforms and urged the public to report any suspicious outreach from foreign actors.

Security officials vowed to pursue and prosecute those involved in such operations “with the utmost severity.”

In addition to the arrest of the Tel Aviv resident, authorities also detained a 19-year-old resident of central Israel on suspicion of of sharing classified information with an Iranian operative during the ongoing conflict. In Haifa, law enforcement arrested Dmitry Cohen for allegedly conducting surveillance on Israeli civilians whose personal details were provided by his Iranian contact.

These latest arrests underscore a growing trend, coming just months after Israel publicly announced the apprehension of seven other citizens, also in the city of Haifa, on similar charges of espionage for Iran.