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Israeli security agencies have detained two men whom they accuse of being involved in espionage operations on behalf of Iranian handlers in exchange for cryptocurrency. The two suspects, Or Beilin and Dimitri Cohen, as per the claims, got thousands of dollars worth of crypto to snap photos of military bases and the houses of high-ranking officials.
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) confirmed the arrests in a joint statement with the Tel Aviv Police on Monday, June 23. The announcement follows growing concerns over cyber and intelligence operations between Israel and Iran. Investigators claim the suspects received crypto payments amounting to approximately $500 per task, executed over several weeks.
Shin Bet revealed that Beilin, a 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident, maintained contact with his Iranian handler for several months. His tasks allegedly included photographing military bases, official buildings, and spraying anti-Israel graffiti on public structures. Authorities arrested Beilin on Sunday and confiscated computers and digital devices linked to his operations.
Cohen, a 28-year-old from Haifa, was arrested in May. Authorities say he received assignments through a Russian-language job board. Cohen admitted under questioning that he suspected the missions were espionage-related but proceeded anyway due to financial motives. Investigators confirmed he had been promised $500 in Bitcoin per task and had received thousands in total.
The arrests follow accusations of crypto-based espionage rages amidst the existing tensions between Israel and Iran. A third suspect, whose name was not made known, was apprehended in the Sharon region, according to the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, this past week, Iran hanged a man who illegally spied on Israel and was paid in bitcoin ransom by Mossad. This shows the increasing use of digital assets in undocumented activities in the region.
In a separate case earlier this year, Eduard Yusupov was indicted for espionage after allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars in crypto from Iran. The rise in crypto usage for intelligence transactions has intensified scrutiny over digital finance in the Middle East.
A pro-Israel hacking group known as Gonjeshke Darande claimed to have attacked the largest crypto exchange in Iran, Nobitex, last week. According to the group, it managed to rob the platform of more than $90 million, which it claimed was associated with Iranian intelligence.
With the situation remaining tense, the Israeli authorities have also been paying attention to suspicious recruitment activities online that foreign players initiate. The Shin Bet also said that receiving crypto in payment for work related to national security is not only a violation that can lead to criminal liability but also a threat to community safety.
