Ashkelon couple indicted for spying for Iran
Police and Shin Bet say the suspects were paid in cryptocurrency to photograph Eilat Port, Mount Herzl sites and other sensitive locations for an Iranian agent
Two Israeli and Ukrainian residents of Ashkelon have been charged with spying for Iranian intelligence, according to police and the Shin Bet. Tramilan Amushkov, an Israeli citizen, and Alina Kushnirko, a Ukrainian national, were arrested in July in a coordinated operation by Israel Police’s Lahav 433 unit and the Shin Bet. Amushkov had been exchanging information with an Iranian agent over the past months and was paid for his surveillance work in cryptocurrency.
Authorities allege that he and Kushnirko carried out various security-related tasks in exchange for the payments, including a trip to Eilat to buy a high-end smartphone with a sophisticated camera. The suspect reportedly received several thousand shekels to purchase the device and conduct more advanced surveillance missions. These assignments reportedly included photographing Eilat Port, a museum, and the cemetery at Mount Herzl, despite Amushkov's awareness that he was working for an Iranian agent.
The Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office filed indictment against both suspects in a Tel Aviv District Court on Thursday. Police and the Shin Bet are urging Israelis to avoid contact with foreign operatives or unidentified individuals, especially when offered paid assignments. Security officials warn that Iranian intelligence and terrorist organizations continue to recruit Israelis through social media, job offers, and other online methods for espionage, security-related activities, and potential terrorist missions.
These agencies remain committed to identifying and disrupting espionage and terrorist activities within Israel and pursuing those responsible.
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