Israeli soldier charged with spying for Iran in exchange for cryptocurrency

By Sahin Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - An Israeli soldier has been charged with spying for Iran and providing sensitive military information in exchange for cryptocurrency, The Times of Israel reported Thursday, citing Israeli security authorities.

A statement from Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet, police and military said the soldier was arrested in September following an investigation into suspected espionage activities on behalf of Iranian intelligence operatives.

Military prosecutors filed an indictment Thursday, charging the soldier with passing information to an enemy with intent to harm state security and maintaining contact with a foreign agent.

The investigation found that the soldier had maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives for approximately one year, during which he allegedly provided sensitive information about his military unit’s activities, the army’s operational readiness and military call-ups.

The information reportedly included details about his call-up following the outbreak of the war with Iran earlier this year.

Prosecutors said the soldier also shared information about military bases and their coordinates, as well as photographs of missile interceptors, military vehicles and US refueling aircraft stationed at an Israeli airport.

Authorities said he provided Iranian operatives with information about fellow soldiers and commanders, knowing that the intelligence agents might attempt to recruit them for espionage.

The investigation also found that the soldier shared access to a Telegram group used by young Israelis preparing for military service, which an Iranian operative subsequently joined.

Prosecutors said the soldier knowingly maintained contact with an Iranian handler and received cryptocurrency payments in exchange for the information.

The Iranian operative allegedly instructed him to install encrypted communication applications and offered to purchase him a mobile phone and a pistol.

The two also reportedly agreed to use coded language and prepare a cover story in case Israeli security forces discovered their activities.

The soldier was offered $200,000 to travel to Iran, according to prosecutors.

An Israeli military court extended his detention until Nov. 12, although authorities are seeking to keep him in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The case comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following the outbreak of the war earlier this year.

Şahin Demir