Two men have been accused of spying for Iran, with one of them being arrested for this on Monday, the Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced.
Both men were paid in cryptocurrency.
The Shin Bet permitted for publication on Monday that Or Beilin, 27, from Tel Aviv, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of spying on Israel during wartime and aiding the enemy.
Beilin was allegedly led by and was in contact with an Iranian agent, committing the acts under the agent’s instructions, including photographing public figures and security sites. He was allegedly paid for this in cryptocurrency.
His arrest was extended until Thursday at the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court. A police prosecutor declaration is yet to be issued on the matter.
Separately, Dimitri Cohen, 28, from Haifa, was arrested for spying on Israeli citizens at the behest and guidance of an Iranian agent, the agencies announced. A police prosecutor declaration has been issued, and an indictment is expected within the next few days.
Cohen was arrested back in May on suspicion of committing security offenses that were prompted by Iranian intelligence agents, carrying out assignments at their command.
He was in touch with them from May onward. Cohen received personal information regarding several individuals from the agents and spied on these individuals, photographing their homes and passing the photos back to the agents.
Cohen also photographed cars driving around the country, using a secure phone for communication.
Each individual act was paid in cryptocurrency worth $500. Cohen has made thousands of dollars this way, the agencies said.
Agencies warn against further contact with foreign agents
They warned against contact with any foreign agent, obviously including those working for enemy states.
“Passing along information to the enemy, even if it appears inconsequential, helps them in their fight against the State of Israel,” the agencies said.
Since the Hamas October 7 massacre, 35 people have been arrested so far on suspicion of such acts in 25 different cases, the police said.