Israel’s Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police announced the arrest of two reservists from the Krayot area today (Monday), on suspicion of conducting espionage activities for Iran. According to the investigation, one of them smuggled classified information he had accessed during his service in the Air Defense Forces.
Transfer of Classified Information
In a joint operation by the Shin Bet and International Crimes Unit (Yahbal Lahav 433) of the Israel Police, two Israeli citizens named Yuri Eliasov and Georgi Andreyev were arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of security offenses.
The investigation revealed that Yuri maintained contact with an Iranian operative for several months, and carried out security-related tasks under his direction in exchange for financial compensation. These included spraying graffiti with the slogan “Children of Ruhollah” at various locations across Israel, and transferring classified information he had obtained during his military service in the Air Defense Forces.
The investigation also revealed that during his involvement, Yuri suggested to his friend Georgi that he establish contact with the Iranian operative and carry out tasks for financial rewards, even though Yuri was fully aware that this was a hostile entity. Georgi accepted Yuri’s proposal and began communicating with the operative, performing tasks such as spraying graffiti and assisting Yuri with hanging up a sign under the operative’s direction.
$3,500 in Payment for Sensitive Information
The Shin Bet and police investigation revealed that Yuri and Georgi were fully aware they were in contact with an Iranian operative. This information was reinforced by communications materials previously discovered among other Israeli citizens who had been in contact with Iranian intelligence and carried out similar missions.
The investigation also highlighted that Iranian operatives attempt to recruit Israelis through social media outreach. A prosecution statement was filed against the two suspects this morning, and in the coming days an severe indictment is expected to be submitted.
The main suspect provided Iran with information primarily about the Israeli military; details about aircraft quantities, the deployment of defense systems, and even photos he had taken of the Iron Dome system in operation. In exchange for this sensitive information, the main suspect received $3,500.
The Shin Bet and Israeli Police reiterated their warning to Israeli citizens and residents against engaging with foreign entities or performing tasks on their behalf. “The public is urged to immediately report any suspicious offers from unknown individuals regarding ‘work’ or missions to the Shin Bet or Israel Police, especially those received via social media platforms,” the agencies stated.
