Israel thwarts foreign spy recruited by Iran, proving vigilance as hostile regimes target Jewish state
Israeli security services have uncovered and dismantled a serious Iranian-directed espionage operation operating deep inside the country, exposing once again Tehran’s relentless campaign against the Jewish state.
According to a grave indictment filed by the Central District Prosecutor’s Office, a Russian citizen residing in Israel on a work visa knowingly acted for months under the guidance of Iranian intelligence. The defendant, Vitaly Zvyagnintsev, established contact in October 2025 with a handler identifying himself as “Roman,” fully aware he was representing a hostile foreign entity.
Using encrypted platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp, the agent received paid assignments to photograph and document strategically sensitive locations across Israel. These included the ports of Eilat, Haifa, and Ashdod, Israeli and American naval vessels, the Haifa oil refineries, and other critical infrastructure tied directly to national security.
Despite being detained once by Israeli police while photographing the Herzliya marina near the Carlton Hotel, the suspect continued cooperating with Iranian handlers. He updated his contact after the incident, received payment, acquired a dedicated espionage phone, submitted residency documents, and even explored full-time cooperation with the hostile network.
His arrest came on December 4, when he attempted to document the Ramat David Air Force Base—an act that could have endangered Israeli lives. He was detained before transmitting the material.
The indictment underscores that the accused acted with full awareness, motivated purely by financial gain. Israeli authorities reaffirmed that Iran’s intelligence apparatus actively exploits foreign nationals, while Israel’s security agencies remain vigilant and uncompromising in defense of the nation.
