Three suspects were arrested for carrying out missions for Iranian intelligence agencies, and an indictment has been filed against one of them – a resident of Beit Shemesh.
The Shin Bet and the National Unit for International Investigations in Lahav 433 shared the news this morning that three Israelis were arrested on suspicion of carrying out security activities under the guidance of Iranian intelligence agencies. An indictment has now been filed against one of the citizens, accusing him of contact with a foreign agent.
The investigation revealed that one of the suspects, E.S, a 21-year-old Israeli citizen from Beit Shemesh, was in contact via the Telegram app with a profile named "ANNA ELENA." ES was asked to carry out various tasks in Israel, including posting advertisements in Tel Aviv, hiding money at different locations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, delivering packages containing a severed head from an animal or doll, together with a knife and threatening messages, with the aim of leaving them at the homes of Israeli citizens, setting forest fires, and more.
The investigation revealed that ES agreed to perform the tasks, except for murder and setting forest fires. He then recruited two additional Israeli citizens, who performed some of the tasks in exchange for financial compensation. For carrying out the tasks, ES was paid in cryptocurrency.
In the chats, the Iranians wrote: "We need a brave man. Are you brave for a lot of money? We have two tasks for you. For one of them you will receive a bonus of 7,000 dollars and for the other 350 dollars."
E.S expressed interest in the first mission and replied: "Tell me about the $7,000 mission." "Okay," replied the Iranian "You have to buy two 20-liter gallons at a gas station."
Today, the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office submitted an indictment against ES to the Jerusalem District Court, charging him with the offense of contact with a foreign agent The two other citizens he recruited were interrogated and released from detention at the end of their interrogation, pending a decision on their case.
Contacting Israeli citizens through social media under false pretenses is a known operational method of Iranian intelligence agencies. Using social media to recruit Israelis for missions, which may appear ostensibly innocent, provides a convenient and accessible platform for substantial harm to national security.
In recent months, numerous fake profiles used by Iranian security agents have been identified and monitored, and significant information has been collected about the entities behind their operation.
These contacts were made through social media platforms and websites offering paid casual jobs, with activity conducted across social networks including Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter (X), presenting false profiles to make the initial contact with Israeli citizens. The posts were made in various languages, including Hebrew and English.
Additionally, widespread text messages with similar cover were identified, containing links to a Telegram channel with a reference to the Iranian international security agency's website. A significant number of Israelis who received these suspicious contacts refrained from responding and some reported them to relevant authorities.
A senior official in the intelligence system said "In this complex period, in which the digital space is being used for the purposes of intimidation, conveying messages or promoting terrorist activity under the guise of an innocent activity, we recommend the public to be vigilant regarding inquiries from unknown parties, and to avoid providing personal details and opening links from unidentified sources."
2 comments:
Did the K"k Admor Shlita condone this?
After all, le'dvorov, it's a malchus resha.
My enemy's enemy is my friend.
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