Israel (Washington Insider) – Israeli authorities
arrested 30-year-old Russian Vitaly Zvyagintsev in early December for spying
for Iran, photographing strategic sites, receiving crypto payments, amid
Israel-Iran covert tensions; investigations continue.
As the Daily Times reported, Israeli authorities have
arrested a Russian man accused of spying for Iran, the Shin Bet security agency
said on Friday, Dec 19, 2025. The suspect, 30-year-old Vitaly Zvyagintsev, is
accused of taking photos of Israeli ports and important facilities while
following instructions from Iranian intelligence.
He reportedly received payments in digital currency for his
work. Officials said Zvyagintsev had been in contact with Iranian agents since
October 2025 and used his Russian identity as a cover during the alleged
espionage. He was detained in early December 2025, after a secret investigation
by Shin Bet and Israel’s Defence Ministry security directorate.
What did Russian Vitaly Zvyagintsev spy for Iran in Israel?
Israeli officials said the case shows that Iran continues to
try to collect sensitive information in Israel. The authorities did not reveal
the exact sites that were targeted, but described the operation as a serious
security threat.
Israeli authorities said Russian national Vitaly Zvyagintsev
had been assigned
to carry out surveillance across the country. Officials said the investigation
uncovered detailed guidance sent to him by Iranian operatives. They described
his actions as part of Iran’s ongoing effort to collect information on Israeli
infrastructure.
Israel has been engaged in a covert and continuous conflict
against Iran for many years, which has intensified greatly over the last
several years. In June of 2025, Israeli forces attacked Iranian targets within
Iran as tensions were escalating. Many of these operations included Israeli
intelligence operations bolstered by Mossad commandos and surveillance, as well
as the use of multiple resources.
