Two Ashkelon Residents Charged with Conducting Espionage Tasks for Iran

In July 2026, Israeli citizen Tramilen Amshukov and Ukrainian citizen Alina Kushnirko, both residents of Ashkelon, were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Iranian intelligence and carrying out security-related missions under its direction. The arrests were made in a joint operation by the National Unit for Serious and International Crime Investigations (Lahav 433) and the Shin Bet security service.

Investigations revealed that Amshukov had been in contact with an Iranian foreign agent for several months, performing various espionage tasks in exchange for payments made via digital currencies. Some of these missions were conducted jointly with Kushnirko. One notable assignment involved Amshukov traveling to Eilat to purchase a high-resolution smartphone funded by thousands of shekels provided by the Iranian agent, enabling him to capture quality images as instructed.

Among the sensitive locations photographed were the port of Eilat, a museum, and the cemetery on Mount Herzl. Amshukov was aware that his activities served an Iranian foreign agent. Both suspects have been formally indicted in the Tel Aviv District Court by the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office.

Israeli security officials emphasized that intelligence and terror agencies from hostile countries continue efforts to recruit and activate Israelis for espionage, terror activities, and intelligence gathering. These recruitment attempts often occur through social media contacts and job offers.

This case follows other recent arrests, including that of a young American accused of spying in Israel for Iranian intelligence, underscoring ongoing threats from Iran against Israeli national security.