Another Israeli Arrested for Spying for Iran

Israeli security services have arrested and charged a resident of Rishon LeZion accused of carrying out surveillance missions near the home of former prime minister Naftali Bennett on behalf of Iranian intelligence.

The Shin Bet and Israel Police revealed Thursday that the suspect, a 40-year-old Israeli citizen named Vadim Kupriyanov, was indicted on charges of contact with a foreign agent and espionage. Prosecutors say he knowingly cooperated with Iranian operatives over a period of several months.

According to the indictment, Kupriyanov was recruited through Telegram after responding to a post advertising paid “marketing work.” He subsequently began communicating with an Iranian handler, who assigned him a series of tasks in exchange for payment transferred via PayPal.

Initially, the missions included photographing shopping centers, documenting product prices in supermarkets, and filming SIM card purchases for tourists. As the relationship progressed, the Iranian handler escalated the assignments.

Prosecutors say Kupriyanov was instructed to purchase a car dash camera capable of continuous recording and live transmission, then drive to the street where Bennett lives in Ra’anana. The suspect activated the camera and drove back and forth near the residence for approximately 27 minutes while broadcasting live footage. Unable to find parking, he eventually left the area but later sent at least five video clips showing the street and the entrance to Bennett’s home.

Investigators say that even when he struggled to complete tasks exactly as instructed, Kupriyanov “took initiative” to find alternative ways to fulfill them. At one point, he allegedly used his partner’s Telegram account, with her consent, to continue communication with the Iranian handler and carry out additional assignments for further payment.

Security officials emphasized that Kupriyanov was fully aware he was dealing with an Iranian intelligence agent and nonetheless agreed to collect information connected to a senior Israeli political figure. Prosecutors have requested that he remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The case comes one week after Iranian hackers claimed responsibility for breaching Bennett’s Telegram account and leaking personal data, including contact lists and private messages. Bennett initially denied that his phone had been compromised, before later confirming unauthorized access to his Telegram account through other means.

Reacting to the arrest, Bennett said: “Iran’s efforts to harm me will not stop me from my life’s mission. Am Yisrael Chai.”

Israeli security officials say the case underscores ongoing Iranian attempts to recruit Israeli citizens for intelligence gathering and psychological warfare, particularly targeting senior figures and national infrastructure.