The Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) apprehended a 23-year-old resident of Jerusalem on suspicion that he had carried out missions for Iran in exchange for monetary rewards, the police announced on Tuesday.
They said that the investigation revealed that the suspect, Erdler Amoyal, was in communication with Iranian agents, primarily with a profile named Ariana, after which he was put in touch with an additional agent dubbed John.According to the police, Amoyal knew he was communicating with Iranian agents but consented to carry out operations on their behalf regardless.
His missions included gathering intelligence, spray-painting graffiti with the inscription "Sinwar" in Tel Aviv, and photographing homes in Jerusalem, Rehovot, and Netanya.Additionally, the suspect proposed to cut off the Jerusalem Light Rail’s power and sent a video to his Iranian operator in an attempt to locate the power supply, the police said.
He was also looking to purchase a gun, a silencer, and materials to produce explosives to attack Israel.
Shin Bet, Police address arrest
“This investigation reveals, once again, the Iranian intelligence agents’ efforts to recruit citizens to promote espionage and terrorist activities in Israel,” a Shin Bet official said.Further, this also exemplifies that citizens knowingly carry out “missions under Iranian direction... all in exchange for financial compensation,” the source added.“The police and the Shin Bet continue to concentrate on thwarting any activity that could harm the security of the state and the citizens of Israel,” a statement issued by the police read.According to it, the suspect was detained and an indictment was expected in the coming days.