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An Israeli soldier has been charged with spying for Iran and providing sensitive military information in exchange for cryptocurrency, Anadolu Agency reported, citing The Times of Israel and Israeli security authorities.
The soldier was arrested in September after an investigation into suspected espionage on behalf of Iranian intelligence operatives, according to a joint statement by Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet, police and military.
Military prosecutors filed an indictment on Thursday, accusing him of passing information to an enemy with the intent of harming state security and maintaining contact with a foreign agent.
Investigators said the soldier had been in contact with Iranian intelligence operatives for about a year. He allegedly shared sensitive information about his unit’s activities, the army’s operational readiness and military call-ups, including details of his own call-up after the war with Iran broke out earlier this year.
The information reportedly also included details and coordinates of military bases, as well as photographs of missile interceptors, military vehicles and US refueling aircraft stationed at an Israeli airport.
Authorities said he gave Iranian operatives information about fellow soldiers and commanders, knowing the intelligence agents might try to recruit them for espionage. He also shared access to a “Telegram” group for young Israelis preparing for military service; an Iranian operative later joined the group.
Prosecutors said the soldier knowingly kept in contact with an Iranian handler and received cryptocurrency payments for the information. The operative allegedly told him to install encrypted messaging applications and offered to buy him a mobile phone and a pistol.
The two reportedly agreed to use coded language and prepare a cover story in case Israeli security forces uncovered their activities. Prosecutors said the soldier was offered $200,000 to travel to Iran.
An Israeli military court extended his detention until Nov. 12. Authorities are seeking to keep him in custody until the legal proceedings conclude.
The case comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following the outbreak of the war earlier this year.
