Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli in his 40s, was arrested in December 2025 for allegedly working with Iranian intelligence, carrying out security missions for payment over the past two months.
Security forces arrested on Thursday a resident of Rishon LeZion on suspicion of carrying out espionage-related activities at the direction of Iranian intelligence, including surveillance of former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s home, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police said in a joint statement on Thursday.
The suspect, Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli citizen in his early 40s, was detained earlier this month as part of a joint investigation by the Lahav 433 National Crime Unit and the Shin Bet. Investigators allege that Kupriyanov maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and carried out a series of security-related missions over the past two months in exchange for payment.
According to the statement, Kupriyanov was identified after he photographed areas near Bennett’s private residence. As part of his contact with Iranian handlers, he was instructed to purchase a vehicle-mounted camera to facilitate the surveillance activity.
During his interrogation, authorities said, Kupriyanov admitted to performing multiple photography missions at the request of his operators. He allegedly transferred images taken in his city of residence and in other locations across Israel, receiving various sums of money in return. Security officials did not disclose the total amount he was paid or whether additional targets were involved.
The silhouette of a man, seen over the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran (illustrative) (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Following the completion of the investigation, an indictment was filed on Thursday in the Lod District Court by the Central District Attorney’s Office.
Reacting to the arrest, Bennett said in a statement released to Israeli media that “Iranian efforts to harm me will not deter me from my life’s mission.”
Over 30 Israelis charged with espionage for Iran in 2025
More than 30 Israelis have been charged with espionage on behalf of Iran in 2025.
Israeli Police spokesperson Dean Elsdunne told The Press Service of Israel in July that after Iranian agents make contact with an Israeli citizen, “It starts out slowly, with small jobs, and slowly the money increases, and they are asked to do more severe crimes as time goes on.”
Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. During 12 days of fighting, Iranian missile strikes killed 28 Israelis and injured more than 3,000.