Foreign National Arrested in Israel for Espionage on Behalf of Iran

In June 2026, Israeli security forces arrested Rohuz Subirgon, a foreign national from Tajikistan holding a Russian passport, on suspicion of espionage activities for Iranian intelligence within Israel. The arrest followed a joint operation by the Central Unit of the Israeli Police and the Shin Bet. Investigations revealed that since January 2026, Subirgon maintained contact with an Iranian foreign agent and conducted intelligence tasks during the "Roar of the Lion" conflict, aiming to assist Iran in achieving operational gains and advancing its objectives against Israel internationally.

Subirgon was initially approached with a seemingly innocent job offer but soon realized it was an Iranian intelligence recruitment attempt, which he continued to engage with. His assignments included documenting and transmitting locations of Iranian missile impacts during the conflict, providing coordinates of the Azrieli Towers, photographing Haifa port, and attempting to photograph a sensitive security facility in northern Israel. Additionally, he actively recruited others for Iranian intelligence missions.

The Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment and requested Subirgon's detention until the end of legal proceedings. Israeli police, Shin Bet, and the Ministry of Defense warned that enemy intelligence and terror organizations persist in recruiting Israeli citizens and residents for espionage and terror activities, often using social media and seemingly innocent job offers. They urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious approaches immediately. Israeli security agencies pledged to continue efforts to detect and prevent espionage and terrorism and to prosecute offenders rigorously.