Israeli Couple from Ashkelon Charged with Spying for Iran

The Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office has filed espionage charges against Tamirlan Amushkov and Alina Kushnirko, a couple from Ashkelon, accusing them of conducting intelligence tasks for an Iranian agent. Amushkov, an Israeli citizen, and Kushnirko, a Ukrainian citizen, were arrested last month in a joint operation by the Lahav 433 unit and the Shin Bet. The indictment states that the couple maintained contact with an Iranian intelligence operative and received payments in cryptocurrency for their activities.

Amushkov was instructed to purchase a high-quality camera phone in Eilat to photograph sensitive locations, including the Eilat port and the military cemetery on Mount Herzl. Despite understanding that their assignments were for Iranian intelligence, the couple proceeded with the tasks. Intercepted communications revealed their awareness of the potential terrorist nature of their handlers, with Kushnirko questioning, "What’s going on with you? And if they are planning something?" Nevertheless, she joined Amushkov in carrying out the missions.

The investigation uncovered that their initial contact was through Telegram, where Amushkov proposed photographing a restaurant in Ashdod for payment. Israeli security agencies have reiterated warnings against engaging with foreign agents from hostile countries, emphasizing ongoing efforts by intelligence and terrorist groups to recruit Israelis for espionage and terror activities, often using social media and fake job offers as cover.