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Israel charges Russian with allegedly spying for Iran
Vitaliy Zvyagintsev, a Russian foreign worker, pleaded guilty to espionage for Iran, photographing key Israeli ports and infrastructure while receiving cryptocurrency payments.
- Israeli outlets reported that on December 19, Israeli security services identified Vitaliy Zvyagintsev, Russian national, accused of photographing ports of Ashdod, Eilat and Haifa, Kommersant cited Ynet and the Shin Bet.
- Investigators say the suspect was contacted by an Iranian intelligence representative 'Roman' via social media and messaging platforms offering payment.
- Security sources say he photographed oil refineries in Haifa and Herzliya coastal area before security guards summoned police, and officials say he was arrested before sending images of Ramat David Air Base; authorities say he received cryptocurrency payments.
- Prosecutors charged Vitaliy Zvyagintsev with espionage, contact with a foreign agent and transferring information to the enemy, and the indictment indicates he pleaded guilty while investigators allege he knew the espionage nature of his tasks.
- On December 18, Israel's Cyber Directorate urged residents to ignore recruitment texts allegedly sent by Iranian intelligence, while thousands of Israeli recipients received suspicious messages instructing contact with Iran's embassies, Israeli security officials said.
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Shin Bet detains Russian foreign worker for spying for Iran, taking photos of infrastructure
Vitaly Zvyagnitsev, a 30-year-old Russian citizen who arrived in Israel with a foreign worker permit, was arrested in early December 2025 on suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian operatives.
·Jerusalem, Israel
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Russian migrant worker indicted for spying for Iran on Israeli military sites
A Tel Aviv Opera House cleaner is accused of photographing an American warship, a Dolphin-class Israeli submarine, multiple ports and the Haifa oil refinery for an Iranian handler called 'Roman,' receiving payments via digital wallets. Shin Bet says he knew the missions were intended to harm Israel
·Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 30%
C 40%
R 30%
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