Crimeupdated 1h ago2 min read
Israeli Shin Bet Arrests Soldier Charged With Spying for Iran for Cryptocurrency
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Israeli soldier charged with spying for Iran in exchange for cryptocurrency. Provided sensitive information on bases, readiness, and US refueling aircraft.
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Arrest and indictment
Israeli Shin Bet, police, and the occupation army arrested a soldier on charges of communicating with Iranian intelligence officials for about a year and leaking sensitive military information in exchange for cryptocurrency funds. The indictment said the leaked information included military activities, bases, and weaponry, and investigators said the handler offered him $200,000 to travel to Iran.
Military prosecutors filed an indictment charging the soldier with passing information to an enemy with intent to harm state security and maintaining contact with a foreign agent. Military prosecutors filed an indictment on Thursday charging him with passing information to the enemy with the intent to harm state security and for the benefit of the enemy, as well as contact with a foreign agent.
Telegram, codes, payments
The investigation found that the soldier maintained contact with Iranian agents for about a year and provided sensitive information about his unit’s military activities, the IDF’s readiness and call-ups, including details about his own call-up at the outbreak of the war with Iran earlier this year. The soldier’s alleged espionage activities involved encrypted communications, coded messages, cryptocurrency payments, and a cover story designed to conceal his contact with Iranian intelligence.
The soldier sent his Iranian handler a Telegram group known as “Kal Bakrav” intended for young Israelis preparing to enlist in the military, and the handler joined the group. The security agencies urged the public to report suspicious approaches, including the warning: "Any suspicious approach by an unidentified individual, request to provide information, or offer of payment in exchange for 'services' must be reported".
Detention and national risk
A military court extended the soldier’s detention until November 12, 2026, and he was expected to remain held until the end of legal proceedings. The security agencies described the case as an extremely serious threat to national security and urged the public to remain vigilant against suspected foreign intelligence recruitment attempts.
Israeli Shin Bet, police, and the occupation army arrested the soldier after investigations revealed that his handler offered him $200,000 to travel to Iran. The security agencies would continue working to prevent espionage and terrorism and pursue legal action against individuals suspected of assisting enemy operatives or endangering Israel's security.