Israeli Man Arrested for Alleged Espionage Activities Involving Crypto Payments

Israeli authorities have detained a 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident accused of conducting espionage for Iranian operatives in exchange for cryptocurrency. The suspect allegedly photographed military sites and executed other tasks, receiving $500 per mission in crypto, accumulating thousands of dollars.

Two additional Israeli citizens were arrested for similar activities, highlighting a broader pattern of foreign operatives leveraging social media to recruit individuals. The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) has warned citizens against engaging with such actors.

The arrests coincide with escalating cyberattacks tied to the Israel-Iran conflict, which have introduced volatility into cryptocurrency markets. Last week, a pro-Israel hacker group claimed responsibility for draining $90 million from Iranian exchange Nobitex, citing its alleged ties to the Iranian government.