OMM Newsroom
Israeli military prosecutors on Thursday charged an active-duty soldier suspected of spying for Iran and selling sensitive military information in exchange for cryptocurrency. Israeli security agencies issued a statement on the case, AnewZ reported, citing The Times of Israel.
The soldier is accused of passing information to an enemy with the intent to harm state security and maintaining contact with a foreign agent.
According to a joint statement by the Shin Bet security service, police and military, the suspect was arrested in September as part of an investigation into suspected espionage and carrying out tasks for Iranian intelligence. His name has not been released, and the charges have yet to be examined in court.
Information on military sites and unit operations
Investigators determined that the soldier had been in contact with Iranian intelligence operatives for about a year. Prosecutors allege that during this period he passed his contacts sensitive information about his unit’s activities, the military’s operational readiness and the conscription of soldiers.
The information reportedly included details about the soldier’s own call-up when a war with Iran began earlier that year.
Prosecutors allege that the soldier provided information about military bases, including their coordinates. He is also suspected of sending photographs of missile defense systems and military vehicles, as well as U.S.-owned refueling aircraft stationed at an Israeli airport.
According to the indictment, the soldier also passed on information about other servicemembers and commanders, and knew Iranian agents might try to recruit them for espionage. Investigators also determined that he shared login details for a Telegram group used by young Israelis preparing for military service; one of the Iranian intelligence operatives later joined the group.
Communications and payments
Prosecutors allege that the soldier knowingly continued communicating with his Iranian handler and received cryptocurrency for the information he provided. The handler reportedly instructed him to install encrypted messaging apps and offered to buy him a mobile phone and a pistol.
Prosecutors also said the two agreed on coded phrases and a cover story to use if Israeli security services discovered their communications. The soldier was reportedly offered $200,000 to travel to Iran.
A military court extended the soldier’s detention until Nov. 12. Prosecutors are seeking to keep him in custody until the trial concludes.
Human rights groups say Iran has executed at least 10 people accused of espionage and cooperation with Israel since military operations between Iran and Israel began in late February.
