- October 21, 2024
- 6:34 pm
- Israel
The scandal surrounding the exposure of a spy cell in Israel has caused widespread discussion. 7 people, including two minors, were arrested for spying for Iran. This case is particularly eye-catching because most of the suspects are Russian-speaking repatriates with ties to Russia and Iran through a number of agents. The investigation revealed that they collected and transmitted strategic information about Israeli military bases.
This is one of the largest cases related to espionage in recent years, and over the past month, intelligence services have already uncovered 3 Iranian cells in Israel, consisting of Russian-speaking citizens.
Details of espionage activities
The spy group, consisting of immigrants from the former USSR, mainly repatriates from Azerbaijan, carried out tasks for Iranian intelligence. The suspects collected data on military bases and strategic sites such as Nevatim and Ramat David airfields, Iron Dome batteries and the Kirya base in Tel Aviv.
They passed information to agents through intermediaries in Russia (Walla), which increases suspicions of the participation of Russian intelligence services.
Quote from “Walla“:
“This is one of the largest espionage cases in recent years, and over the past month the intelligence services have already uncovered three Iranian cells in Israel consisting of Russian-speaking citizens.”
Key persons and their connection with Russia
The main defendants in the case are Aziz Nisanov, Alexander Sadykov, Vyacheslav Gushchin, Evgeniy Yoffe and Yigal Nisan. Some of them, according to investigators, were born in Israel, others repatriated from Azerbaijan. The connection with Russia was revealed through agents “Elkhan” and “Orkhan”writes Walla, who played a key role in transmitting information and coordinating operations.
Main suspects:
- Aziz Nisanov
- Alexander Sadykov
- Vyacheslav Gushchin
- Evgeniy Yoffe
- Yigal Nisan
- Two minors
Data transmission scheme
The suspects used encrypted programs to transmit data and worked under the instructions of Iranian intelligence agents. They were paid in cash and cryptocurrency, as well as through intermediaries in Turkey. According to investigators, they handed over more than 600 videos and other data about secret objects over the past two years.
Quote from Walla:
“The suspects passed information to agents in Russia. They paid them in cash and cryptocurrency, which indicates a complex financial scheme and the participation of many intermediaries..”
Financial benefits and motives
One of the main motives for spies to participate in the operation is money. In two years they earned about 100 thousand dollars, which is not so much for seven people and such a long period of activity. However, they continued to work for Iranian intelligence even during the war, making their actions especially dangerous to Israeli security.
Income table:
| Period | Number of participants | Total amount ($) | Average amount per participant ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | 7 | 100,000 | ~14.285 |
Spy missions and data collection
Spies performed a variety of tasks, ranging from simple tasks of photographing military installations to more complex operations. Their targets included Air Force bases, strategic energy infrastructure sites, and other sensitive locations. After the Golani base was hit by a missile, the suspects were tasked with photographing the destruction.
Main tasks:
- Collecting information about military bases
- Transfer of data on the positions of air defense systems
- Spying on strategic sites, including power grids and ports
- Filming destruction after missile strikes
Possible consequences
Israeli prosecutors filed statements against seven suspects. They face serious charges including espionage and aiding the enemy during war, which could lead to life sentences. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has already made a statement about the possible deprivation of their citizenship and subsequent deportation after serving their sentences.
Quote from Moshe Arbel:
“Israel, as a country that wants to live, will act. Along with increasing penalties for crimes of breach of trust, we will revoke the citizenship of those who work against the country.”
Connection with Russia
One of the most discussed parts of this case is the possible connection of spies with Russian agents. As it turned out, contact with Russia was carried out through intermediaries, and payment was made not only in cryptocurrency, but also in cash. Given the ongoing war between Israel and its enemies, such ties heighten concerns about Russian involvement in espionage activities in Israel.
Quote from Walla:
“A key role in the transfer of data was played by agents working for Iranian intelligence through Russian structures.”
Conclusion
Espionage activity uncovered in Israel highlights the danger posed by groups linked to Russia and Iran. The case is one of the largest in recent years, and its consequences could include not only prison sentences, but also political decisions such as citizenship revocation and deportation.
Key findings:
- Russian-speaking spies in Israel worked for Iran through intermediaries in Russia.
- In two years, the spy group completed more than 600 missions.
- They face serious sentences for espionage and helping the enemy during the war.
