Today (Thursday), Israeli security services revealed two separate Iranian espionage networks operating within the country, including a shocking plot involving an ultra-Orthodox man recruited to track a nuclear scientist for assassination.
Ultra-Orthodox Spy Case
A 25-year-old ultra-Orthodox resident of Bnei Brak, Asher Benjamin Weiss, has been charged with spying for Iran. Prosecutors say Weiss used a GoPro camera to document the home and vehicle of an Israeli nuclear scientist as part of an assassination plot. He also allegedly carried out acts of sabotage including arson, vandalism, and spreading propaganda materials, and was paid in cryptocurrency for his efforts.
Couple's Espionage Network
Rafael and Lala Guliyev, both 32, from Lod, were arrested for allegedly running an extensive surveillance operation. They reportedly photographed sensitive locations including Mossad headquarters, critical infrastructure facilities, the Haifa Port and various military installations. They received approximately $26,000 for their services, including $600 per day of surveillance
"These cases expose, once again, Iranian intelligence efforts to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorism," a senior Shin Bet official stated.
The cases follow last week's indictment of seven other suspects in a separate Iranian espionage ring.
INSS think tank chief, Major General (ret.) Tamir Heiman, responded to the news, stating that while concerning, "it's not surprising that INSS researchers are targets for Iran and its proxies."
The suspects face serious charges including contact with foreign agents, providing information to an enemy, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors are seeking to hold the suspects in custody until the end of legal proceedings.
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