Israel indicts Russian national working in country on suspicion of spying for Iran
An indictment was filed on Friday against Vitaly Zviagintsev, a 30-year-old Russian citizen and foreign worker in Israel, on suspicion of spying for Iran and carrying out surveillance missions of ports, ships, and infrastructure across the country under the direction of Iranian intelligence.
According to the Shin Bet and the Defense Ministry, Zviagintsev was arrested in early December 2025. The investigation found that since October 2025 he had been in contact with an Iranian intelligence handler who identified himself as “Roman” and claimed to be based in Russia.
Under Roman’s instructions, and using tourism as cover, the suspect allegedly photographed sensitive sites and vessels at Israeli ports. He reportedly received payment for the tasks through digital means. The Shin Bet said Zviagintsev was aware the requests constituted espionage intended to harm Israel but continued carrying out missions for financial reasons.
Kan.org.il is the Hebrew news website of the The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation
