A man in his 30s from Bat Yam was arrested in May 2026 on suspicion of working for Iranian intelligence after allegedly making contact via social media in late 2025 and accepting payments for security-related tasks. The arrest concluded an undercover probe by the Ayalon District police and the Shin Bet, and prosecutors are expected to file an indictment shortly. Authorities warned citizens against online contact with foreign handlers and noted a rise in recruitment tactics, including cryptocurrency payments. The Shin Bet reported 25 indictments and 120 thwarted Iranian espionage incidents in 2025.
Bat Yam Man Arrested After Alleged Online Recruitment by Iranian Intelligence
The silhouette of a person, with Iran
A man in his 30s from Bat Yam was arrested in May 2026 on suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence officers and carrying out security-related missions for them, Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said in a joint statement.
The arrest followed an undercover investigation conducted by the Ayalon District police’s Crime-Fighting Unit together with the Shin Bet. Prosecutors filed a statement of suspicion at the conclusion of the probe, and an indictment is expected in the coming days.
Alleged Online Recruitment and Payments
Investigators say the suspect first contacted an alleged Iranian operative via social media in late 2025. During that online contact he allegedly agreed to carry out a range of assignments in return for payments that were transferred to him, authorities said.
Authorities arrested the suspect in May 2026 as part of the joint Shin Bet and police operation. Officials said that as the inquiry progressed, evidence of his involvement strengthened and that in the months before his arrest he had been in contact with Iranian intelligence and had executed several security-related tasks.
Flag of Iran on binary code. (credit: GagoDesign/Shutterstock)
“Israel Police and the Shin Bet again warn Israeli citizens and residents against maintaining contact with foreign elements and carrying out missions for them,” the agencies said. “These actions constitute a serious violation of the law and endanger state security.”
Wider Context
The case comes amid repeated warnings by Israeli security officials that Iranian intelligence services have intensified attempts to recruit Israelis online — frequently via social media and messaging apps, and sometimes offering financial incentives, including cryptocurrency payments.
In its January 2026 annual report, the Shin Bet said that 25 Israelis and foreign residents were indicted in 2025 for spying for Iran and that authorities thwarted 120 separate Iranian espionage incidents that year. Police have also pointed to financial gain as a central motive in many of the cases.
Previous related incidents cited by authorities include prosecutors filing an indictment in March against a 14-year-old accused of carrying out paid assignments for hostile actors believed to be Iranian, and the arrest of a Tel Aviv resident who allegedly photographed sites in Israel for payment.
The Shin Bet and police said they will continue coordinating with relevant defense bodies to detect, foil and prosecute individuals who cooperate with hostile foreign actors in order to protect Israel and its citizens.
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