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.