Israeli authorities uncover network of citizens who spied for Iran
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Israeli police and Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency have uncovered a network of Israeli citizens who were allegedly spying for Iran. They are believed to have provided information about military bases and conducted surveillance on specific individuals, reports The Guardian.
Investigators claim that the network operated for about two years. According to reports in the Israeli press, the suspects are accused of photographing and gathering information about Israeli bases and sites, including the defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as the Nevatim and Ramat David airbases.
This year, the Nevatim base has faced two missile attacks from Iran, and Ramat David has been targeted by Hezbollah, The Guardian notes.
"This is one of the most serious security cases investigated in recent years," stated state prosecutors. Police reported that the group conducted 600 missions over the two years.
According to media reports, those arrested are Jewish immigrants from Azerbaijan living in the Haifa area, some of whom are relatives, and two of them are minors. They were arrested a little over a month ago and are expected to face charges of aiding an enemy during wartime.
According to a statement released on Monday, seven Israeli citizens were arrested for collecting confidential information about the bases and energy infrastructure of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Haaretz reports that the suspects likely received hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash transfers from Russian intermediaries, as well as in cryptocurrencies.
US military forces have urgently deployed their advanced missile defense system to Israel, with the THAAD system now in place.
