Israeli man indicted for alleged collaboration with Iranian agent

Israeli prosecutors have indicted Or Beilin, a 27-year-old resident of Tel Aviv, for alleged contact with a foreign agent and carrying out a series of covert assignments on behalf of Iranian intelligence. 

The indictment, filed on July 10, accuses Beilin of “knowingly assisting an enemy agent in exchange for cryptocurrency payments,” Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media. 

Beilin, originally from Be’er Yaakov, was arrested on June 22, the same day as two other individuals detained on similar suspicions. Israeli authorities have handled dozens of such cases since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

According to the indictment, Beilin allegedly maintained encrypted communications via the Telegram app with an Iranian intelligence operative between November 2024 and February 2025. Throughout this period, prosecutors allege that Beilin was fully aware that he was executing instructions from an enemy of the state, motivated by financial compensation.

The Iranian agent initially approached Beilin with an offer to perform acts of subversion in exchange for cryptocurrency, to which Beilin reportedly agreed.

As part of his assignments, Beilin allegedly spray-painted politically charged graffiti in multiple locations across Israel. The messages included slogans such as “Bibi [Netanyahu] is the enemy of humanity” and “KHUMENEI BASIJ OF TLV” — the latter referencing Iran’s paramilitary Basij force. 

The indictment alleges that Beilin hid cash drops at various sites in the country; documented his actions with photographs and videos; purchased two surveillance cameras under instruction and installed them in designated locations; and was allegedly paid for each act. 

On December 15, he allegedly acquired an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uniform and filmed himself setting it on fire while displaying a sign that read, “These uniforms were once holy; today they are a game to politicians.” For this act, he was paid 1,000 shekels (around $270).

In total, Beilin allegedly received the equivalent of $8,974 in cryptocurrency for his activities. Prosecutors seeking to remand him until the conclusion of legal proceedings cited the discovery of mobile phones and concealed cameras in his residence, as well as records confirming the financial transactions.

During initial questioning, Beilin denied the allegations, attributing the charges to a “leftist setup.” However, he later admitted to the actions, stating that he understood what he was doing but “didn’t want to hurt the State.”

By Sabina Mammadli