The Shin Bet and Israeli police announced the arrest in November 2024 of Ardler (Israel) Amoyel, a 23-year-old Jerusalem resident, on suspicion of collaborating with Iranian intelligence services and planning terrorist acts on the Israeli soil for remuneration. The investigation revealed that Amoyel had established contacts in October via social networks with Iranian agents, initially under the profile of “Ariana”, then transferred to a certain “John”. “Although Amoyel understood from the beginning of the relationship that 'John' was an Iranian agent, he agreed to carry out intelligence missions under his direction,” the investigative report states.
Among his activities, the suspect photographed specific addresses, created “Sinwar” graffiti in Tel Aviv, documented streets in Netanya and Jerusalem. He also acquired a GoPro camera for his missions and searched online how to acquire a weapon, a silencer and materials to make a bomb. Even more worrying, he suggested that his Iranian operator set fire to a police car and sabotage the power supply to the Jerusalem tram.
A Shin Bet official said: “This investigation reveals, once again, the efforts of Iranian intelligence agencies to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorist activities in Israel, and the complacency of Israeli citizens to carry out missions under Iranian direction, while being aware of the identity of the operators, all for financial reward.”
Israeli security services have issued a call for vigilance, asking the public to report any suspicious requests, particularly on social media and job search sites. An indictment is expected to be filed in the coming days in the Jerusalem District Court, while Amoyel's detention has been extended until December 20, 2024.
