Two Israeli military reservists have been arrested on allegations of spying for Iran during their mandatory duty and reserve service.
A prosecutor’s statement was filed Monday morning against 21-year-old Yuri Eliaspov and Georgi Adriev, who allegedly carried out their espionage activities in September and October 2024, according to a joint statement by Israel Police and the Shin Bet.
The Attorney General’s Office is to file an indictment in the coming days.
Both Kiryat Shmona residents face charges of contact with a foreign agent and transmitting classified information.
Eliaspov also faces a more severe charge, that of aiding the enemy during wartime, punishable by the death penalty, or life in prison. However, Israel has used the death penalty only once in its 77-year history.
One of the suspects served at an Iron Dome aerial defense installation, and documented materials at the request of his Iranian handlers.
The second suspect was stationed at IDF Kirya Headquarters in Tel Aviv, also home to the Ministry of Defense.
The investigation revealed that Eliaspov had been in contact with an Iranian official for several months and had carried out security missions under his direction in exchange for money. Meanwhile, Eliaspov also carried out missions involving spraying graffiti “Children of Ruhalla” in various places in the country and passed classified material to his Iranian handler that he had obtained during his military service with the Iron Dome Air Defense System.
The investigation also revealed that Eliaspov suggested to his friend Adriev that he, too, maintain contact with the Iranian operator in order to carry out missions for financial reward, despite his awareness that doing so would be an act of hostility against the State of Israel.
Adriev accepted Eliaspov’s offer and began maintaining contact with the Iranian handler while carrying out graffiti spraying missions under his direction. He also assisted Eliaspov in a sign-hanging mission under his handler’s direction.
The investigation showed that Eliaspov and Adriev both understood that they were spying for the Iranians and proceeded anyway.
Iranian elements are trying to recruit Israelis through social media appeals, according to the Shin Bet and Israel Police.
“The Shin Bet (ISA) and the Israel Police reiterate their warning to Israeli citizens and residents against maintaining contact with foreign elements and carrying out missions for them and will work to bring those involved in this activity to justice,” the statement said.
“The public is asked to continue to report to the Shin Bet or the Israel Police any suspicious requests received from an unidentified party to perform various “jobs” and tasks, especially requests on various social media networks.”
