Two Ashkelon residents indicted for spying on behalf of Iranian intelligence

In a combined operation by Lahav 433 and Shin Bet during July 2026, Israeli citizen Tremilan Amushkov and Ukrainian citizen Alina Kushnirenko, both residents of Ashkelon, were arrested and indicted for allegedly carrying out espionage missions for Iranian intelligence in exchange for payment. The investigation found that over the past few months, Amushkov had been in contact with an Iranian agent and carried out various security missions for him, some of which he carried out together with Kushnirenko. Payment would come in the form of digital currencies, with some missions carried out together with Kushnirenko.

An indictment was filed against both defendants by the Tel Aviv Prosecutor's Office in the Tel Aviv District Court.

According to law enforcement, Amushkov was instructed to travel to Eilat and purchase a modern cell phone with high-quality photography capabilities, for which he was given thousands of shekels in exchange for performing photography tasks under the agent's direction. Among these tasks, Amushkov photographed sensitive areas including the Eilat port, a museum, and the cemetery on Mount Herzl, with the complete understanding that he was working for Iran.

In a joint statement, the Israel Police and Shin Bet again warn citizens against having contact with foreign elements from enemy countries or unidentified entities, particularly performing tasks for them in exchange for payment. The statement said such elements work to recruit and operate Israelis for security, terrorist, and espionage missions, including through social media and job offers.