The suspects, residents of Haifa and northern Israel, were arrested on suspicion of gathering intelligence on IDF bases and critical energy infrastructure. Among those arrested are Aziz Nisanov, Alexander Sadykov, Vyacheslav Gushchin, Yevgeny Yoffe, Yigal Nissan, and two minors whose identities have not been disclosed. The investigation revealed that for over two years, the suspects carried out intelligence-gathering missions for two Iranian agents known as “Alkhan” and “Orkhan.”
According to the findings, the network conducted hundreds of intelligence-gathering missions on IDF bases, with a focus on the Air Force and Navy, ports, Iron Dome missile defense system locations, and energy infrastructure, including the power station in Hadera. Their activities involved photographing and documenting sensitive sites using advanced equipment purchased specifically for this purpose.
The suspects received hundreds of thousands of dollars for their activities, some of it paid in cryptocurrency. In addition, they were instructed to gather information on specific Israeli citizens, including conducting surveillance. Some of the suspects were arrested while attempting to collect information on an Israeli citizen, and security officials believe the Iranians intended to harm that individual.
A senior Shin Bet official stated that during the investigation, a large amount of material collected and transferred to the Iranian agents was seized, including photos and videos of IDF bases, ports, and energy infrastructure. It is estimated that the network’s activities caused significant security damage to the State of Israel.
The Israel Police emphasized the severity of the events, noting that this is one of the most serious cases the country has faced. They added that the suspects acted knowingly and out of financial greed.
An indictment is expected to be filed by the prosecution in the coming days. Security agencies stress that they will continue to cooperate in detecting Iranian activities and will ensure that justice is served harshly against all those involved in such activities.
