Tajik National with Russian Passport Arrested in Israel for Spying for Iran

JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Israeli authorities have arrested a Tajik citizen holding a Russian passport on suspicion of spying for Iran and attempting to recruit additional agents, the Israel Police, Shin Bet security agency and Defense Ministry announced.

Behrouz Sobirgon was in contact with an Iranian handler beginning in January 2026, with most of his alleged activities occurring during the recent war between Israel and Iran, according to a joint statement.

During the conflict, Sobirgon “sought to help Iran achieve operational successes and advance its objectives in the international arena against the State of Israel,” the statement said.

Investigators determined that Sobirgon was initially approached with what appeared to be an innocent job offer. He quickly realized the offer came from an Iranian agent but continued the contact anyway.

His assigned missions included documenting and transmitting the locations of Iranian missile impact sites in Israel, providing coordinates of the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv, sending a photograph of Haifa Port, and attempting to photograph a sensitive security facility in northern Israel, authorities said.

In addition, Sobirgon actively assisted Iranian operatives in recruiting others for similar missions, the statement added.

Sobirgon was arrested in June. On Thursday, prosecutors announced their intention to file an indictment against him and requested that his remand be extended until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The case is part of ongoing Israeli efforts to counter Iranian espionage and intelligence activities targeting the Jewish state amid heightened regional tensions.