Iran, Espionage, Shabak, Beit Shemesh

Sent Package with Severed Animal Head: Beit Shemesh Resident Indicted For Working for Iran

Elimelech Stern is accused of having contact with an Iranian agent under a fictitious profile and performing various disturbing anti-Israel acts for him in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. 

Illustrative: Spy (Photo: Shutterstock/ Stokkete)

Prosecutors have filed charges against Elimelech Stern, a 21-year-old resident of Beit Shemesh, for alleged contact with a foreign agent and carrying out missions at the behest of Iranian intelligence operatives.

Stern is accused of communicating via Telegram with an individual using the pseudonym "Anna Elena," believed to be a front for Iranian intelligence. The indictment, filed today (Tuesday), details a series of disturbing tasks Mr. Stern allegedly agreed to perform in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.

These tasks included hanging provocative posters and planting money in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as well as delivering packages containing severed animal or doll heads, accompanied by knives and threatening messages, to the homes of Israeli citizens. While Mr. Stern reportedly agreed to most requests, he drew the line at murder and arson.

Screenshot from conversation between 'Anna Elena' and Stern (Photo: Shabak Spokesperson)
This is the letter that Stern was instructed to deliver (Photo: Shabak Spokesperson)

To carry out the missions, Stern recruited two Israeli citizens who performed some of the tasks for financial compensation. Stern received payment from "Anna Elena" in cryptocurrency for successfully completing carrying out the missions

The two suspects who assisted Stern were also arrested, though they have since been released pending further investigation.

The case sheds light on Iran's alleged efforts to sow fear and discord within Israel through digital means. Israeli security services report that they have identified and monitored numerous fictitious online profiles operated by Iranian agents in recent months.

"We're witnessing a troubling trend where digital platforms are being exploited for intimidation and the promotion of terrorist activities under seemingly innocuous guises," a senior Israeli security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

The official urged the public to exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals online, advising against sharing personal information or clicking on unverified links.

The Israeli government has yet to comment officially on the case, but it is expected to reignite discussions about the need for enhanced digital literacy and cybersecurity measures among the general public.

• Kann 11 contributed to this article.

0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

War in the North, UAV's launched from Lebanon, Hezbollah

Northern Fighting: UAVs Launched into the Galilee, IDF Attacks Hezbollah Structures

Sirens were heard in the Western Galilee after several UAVs crossed from Lebanon and impacts were identified in the Abirim area. In response, the IDF attacked Hezbollah military structures in southern Lebanon.

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 07.09.24

West Bank Shooting, IDF

Reports That Foreign Citizen Was Killed by Gunfire in Beita, IDF: Details Under Review

After Palestinian media reported that an American citizen participating in a demonstration in the town of Beita was killed by gunfire, the IDF spokesperson said that the forces fired at an agitator who threw stones at them: "The details of the incident and the circumstances of the injury are under review."

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 07.09.24

Situational assessment in the North, War with Hezbollah

Chief of Staff on the Northern Border: "Preparing for Offensive Moves Within the Area"

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi conducted a situation assessment and tour on the Golan Heights border and said, "The IDF is highly focused on fighting Hezbollah and is simultaneously preparing for offensive moves within the area."

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 07.09.24

Ramming attack, Eli, West Bank terrorism

During Shabbat: Attempted Ramming Attack Near Eli

A 42-year-old Palestinian collided with his vehicle into a police patrol car that was engaged in operational activities near the settlement of Eli in Samaria.

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 07.09.24

Islamic Jihad, Commanders eliminated, IDF operations

Two battalion commanders of the Islamic Jihad were eliminated

Several terrorists were killed in the strike, including a battalion commander who participated in the October 7 massacre and another battalion commander who was responsible for firing anti-tank missiles and mortars into Israeli territory and against IDF forces.

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 07.09.24

Iran, Terrorism, Antisemitism

Not just ISIS: Iran also targeting Jewish and Israeli sites in Europe

Iran has reportedly tried to enlist criminals in an effort to carry out terror attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets throughout Europe, with at least one arson attack and an effort at espionage.

JFeed Staff | 05.09.24

Iran, Banking

Report: This is the culprit behind the hacking of Iran's banking system

POLITICO has reported the likely suspect behind "the worst cyberattack" in Iran's history, according to industry analysts.

Avi Woolf | 05.09.24

War in the North, Protected area, rocket fire threat

Army Warns Northern Residents: "Stay Close to Protected Spaces"

The Home Front Command and Northern Command have issued a warning to residents of the Upper Galilee Regional Council, advising them to remain close to protected spaces and to avoid unnecessary movement in the area.

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 04.09.24

Iran, Politics, United States

"Iranians for Trump"? A new group emerges which may decide a tight election

A new political group recently launched, with the aim of registering and bringing in anti-regime American Iranians to the polls to put Donald Trump into the White House.

Avi Woolf | 04.09.24

Israel-Gaza War, Judea and Samaria

"We need to put an end to it": Gallant addresses escalating terrorism in Judea and Samaria

The Defense Minister conducted a situational assessment in Judea and Samaria, where he insisted in ending the terrorist escalation "with full force." He said that "we are mowing the grass, the time will come that we will remove the roots - this we must do."

JFeed Staff | 04.09.24

Nasrallah claims, Shukr assassination retaliation

A Severe Blow to Nasrallah: "His Commanders Know the Truth"

Hezbollah’s retaliation for the killing of its chief of staff, Fuad Shukr, has failed. Even Nasrallah’s commanders know he lied in his speech but prefer to remain silent.

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 04.09.24

Smuggling, Drones, American-Iranian

Busted: American-Iranian citizen arrested for smuggling drones to Tehran 

Man accused of exporting aircraft components to Iran through Dubai in a decade-long operation.

Avi Nachmani | 04.09.24