IDF Soldier Charged with Spying for Iran, Receiving Crypto Payments

An indictment has been filed against an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier suspected of carrying out missions for Iranian intelligence agents in exchange for payment via digital wallets. The charges were announced in a joint statement by the Shin Bet security agency, Israel Police, and the IDF. The soldier was arrested in September during a joint operation involving the Shin Bet, the Ayalon investigation unit of the police, and military police. The military prosecution has charged the soldier with offenses including conveying information to the enemy with the intent to harm state security, conveying information for the benefit of the enemy, and contact with a foreign agent.

According to the investigation, the soldier allegedly maintained contact with Iranian handlers for about a year, during which he provided sensitive information about his unit's military activities, readiness status, and IDF call-ups. This included details about his personal deployment at the start of the "Roaring Lion" war. The soldier also reportedly shared information about military bases and their locations, and photographed interceptors, military vehicles, and American refueling planes stationed at an Israeli airport.

Further findings suggest the soldier provided details about his colleagues and commanders, aware that the Iranian contact might attempt to recruit them for espionage. He also allegedly transferred a Telegram group, "Kal BaKarav," intended for Israelis about to enlist, to his handler, who then joined the group. The Iranian handler also reportedly instructed the soldier to install malicious communication apps for encrypted calls and offered him money to purchase a simple phone and a weapon.

During their alleged arrangement, the soldier and his handler reportedly agreed on using codes in conversations and creating a cover story in case their contact was exposed. The soldier was also offered $200,000 to travel to Iran. The soldier's detention has been extended by the military court and is expected to continue until November 21, 2026. Security agencies emphasized the severity of the suspicions and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious approaches, information requests, or payment offers from unknown individuals to the authorities. It was stressed that these are suspicions pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings.