Israeli spy accused of earning over $5,000 in crypto from Iran

Israeli authorities have arrested a 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident accused of spying for Iran in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.

The suspect allegedly conducted intelligence tasks, including photographing sensitive military sites and spray-painting politically motivated graffiti, according to a joint statement from the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Tel Aviv District Police.

The agencies warned citizens against engaging with foreign actors or undertaking missions on their behalf, citing the use of social media platforms by espionage networks to recruit operatives.

The suspect reportedly received payments of approximately $500 in cryptocurrency for each task, accumulating thousands of dollars over time.

This arrest follows the detention of two other Israeli citizens suspected of similar espionage activities linked to Iranian operatives.

One of the previously arrested individuals, Dmitri Cohen, 28, from Haifa, was charged with gathering intelligence on Amit Yardeni, who was to marry Avner Netanyahu, son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Cohen also allegedly received thousands in crypto payments for his activities.

The third suspect, a 19-year-old from the Sharon region, was also taken into custody, though their identity has not been disclosed.

During the recent operation, authorities seized computers and digital storage devices believed to be used for communication with Iranian handlers.

The arrested Tel Aviv resident, Or Beilin, was brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court, which extended his detention pending investigation.

These arrests come amid heightened cyberattacks connected to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which has also affected cryptocurrency markets.

Last week, a pro-Israel hacker group claimed responsibility for stealing approximately $90 million in crypto from the Iranian exchange Nobitex, citing links between the platform and Iranian intelligence.

Israeli officials continue to advise citizens to remain cautious as tensions persist, with reports of incoming missile threats from Iran.