Israeli Authorities Arrest Tajik-Russian Citizen for Espionage on Behalf of Iran

In June 2026, Israeli security forces arrested Rahroz Subirgon, a Tajikistani citizen holding a Russian passport, on suspicion of serious security offenses related to espionage for Iran. The arrest was part of a joint operation by the Israeli Police's Unit for Combating Espionage and the Shin Bet. Investigations revealed that since January 2026, Subirgon had been in contact with an Iranian foreign agent and carried out intelligence tasks under his direction, primarily during the "Roaring Lion" military operation.

Subirgon's activities included documenting locations of Iranian missile strikes in Israel, transmitting precise coordinates of the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv, photographing Haifa port, and attempting to photograph a sensitive security installation in northern Israel. Additionally, he actively recruited others to assist in espionage tasks for Iranian intelligence, indicating a systematic Iranian effort to establish a local support network within Israel.

The initial contact was disguised as a seemingly innocent job offer, a recruitment pattern consistent with previous Iranian intelligence attempts to enlist Israeli citizens or residents via social media. Today, the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office filed an indictment declaration against Subirgon and requested his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The joint statement from the Ministry of Defense, Police, and Shin Bet emphasized ongoing efforts by enemy intelligence and terrorist organizations to recruit Israeli citizens and residents for espionage and terror activities. Security agencies urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious approaches or recruitment attempts by foreign entities, affirming their commitment to thwart such threats and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent.