The Israeli security agency and the Tel Aviv district police have announced the arrest of a 27-year-old man in Tel Aviv on charges of espionage. He is alleged to have carried out intelligence missions for Iranian agents, including photographing sensitive locations and drawing political graffiti, in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.
Details of the arrest and espionage activities
The arrested individual, Or Beilin, a resident of Tel Aviv, is believed to have received thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, with $500 for each mission. During the operation on Sunday, authorities seized computers and digital storage devices suspected of being used to communicate with Iranian handlers. After his arrest, Beilin was brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court and was detained until June 26 to facilitate the investigation.
Shin Bet and the Tel Aviv police have warned citizens not to contact foreign individuals or carry out any missions on their behalf, as these organizations often approach through social media.
The connection to the Israel-Iran conflict and other arrests
This arrest comes amid escalating cyberattacks related to the Israel-Iran conflict, causing instability in the cryptocurrency market. Last week, a pro-Israel hacker group claimed responsibility for an attack that leaked approximately $90 million in cryptocurrency from Iran's Nobitex exchange, citing a connection between this platform and intelligence services.
Beilin is not the only case. The Israeli police have also arrested two others for similar espionage activities, including Dmitri Cohen, 28, from Haifa. Cohen was arrested last month on suspicion of gathering intelligence on Amit Yardeni, who is about to marry Avner Netanyahu, the son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Cohen is alleged to have been promised $500 for each mission and has received thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency while working with Iranian agents. Another 19-year-old individual was also arrested in the Sharon area, though their identity has not been disclosed.