Cryptocurrency-funded Iranian operative nabbed in Israel

Israeli authorities have detained Yaakov Perl, a 49-year-old dual Israeli and US citizen residing in Morocco, on suspicion of collaborating with Iranian intelligence services.

The arrest was carried out by the General Security Service (Shabak) and the local police, according to Israeli media.

Perl is alleged to have established contacts with Iranian special services and carried out assignments at their behest. In 2017, while living in Morocco, he reportedly attempted to contact the Iranian embassy and requested political asylum for himself and his family, but received no response.

In 2023, Perl began actively sharing anti-Israel content on Telegram. Following the publication of an article supporting former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, he was reportedly approached by an Iranian agent who offered him cooperation.

Authorities say Perl sought to recruit individuals both in Israel and abroad to assist Iranian operatives in gathering intelligence.

In July 2025, after restoring his Israeli passport, he returned to Israel and began collecting information on citizens and senior officials, including former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. Perl also allegedly transmitted data concerning various facilities and streets.

Reports indicate he received payments in cryptocurrency for his activities. Investigators concluded that Perl acted with full awareness that he was serving Iranian intelligence and recognised that his actions posed a threat to Israel’s national security. His motives were reportedly rooted in ideological beliefs and hostility toward the Israeli state.

An indictment against Perl is expected to be filed in the Tel Aviv District Court in the coming days.

By Tamilla Hasanova