A 27-year-old resident of Tel Aviv, identified as Or Beilin, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage on behalf of Iranian intelligence, according to recent reports from i24 and Arutz Sheva. Authorities allege that Beilin was paid thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency to gather information on Israeli public figures and political activities.
The Israeli Police and the Shin Bet security agency apprehended Beilin on June 24. During a search of his residence, law enforcement seized his computer and other digital devices believed to have been used for receiving cryptocurrency payments and communicating with his Iranian handlers.
Following instructions from his contacts, Beilin is accused of secretly photographing the homes of public officials, documenting military sites, and reporting on politically motivated graffiti. He is currently being held in custody, with the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court extending his detention until June 26 as the investigation continues.
Authorities issued a public warning following the arrest, cautioning Israeli citizens about efforts by Iranian intelligence and affiliated terrorist organizations to recruit locals for espionage and hostile operations. These recruitment attempts, officials noted, often occur through social media, with promises of payment in cryptocurrency or other rewards.
In related developments, two more Israeli nationals have recently been detained for similar activities. One of them, 28-year-old Dmitri Cohen, is accused of attempting to gather intelligence on the fiancée of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son. He allegedly received offers of $500 in cryptocurrency per assignment, accumulating thousands of dollars in promised payments.
Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious outreach from foreign entities.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Actions Against U.S. and Israel
In a recent escalation, Iran retaliated against the United States following a major airstrike that targeted three nuclear facilities within Iranian territory. On June 24, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar. However, U.S. defense systems intercepted the attack, successfully preventing any casualties or damage.
The cryptocurrency market reacted swiftly to news of the successful interception. Bitcoin, which had briefly fallen below the $100,000 mark, rebounded sharply and surged past $103,000 in response to the reduced threat of immediate conflict.
