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Yaakov Perl, an American-Israeli, was arrested for allegedly spying for Iran, sharing info on public figures and locations, and receiving cryptocurrency payments.
According to a report by CNN, Yaakov Perl, 49, was arrested earlier this month after an investigation by the Shin Bet security agency and the National Crime Unit of the Israeli police. (Image: Shutterstock)
An American-Israeli dual citizen has been arrested by the Israeli authorities for allegedly spying for Iran, accusing him of sharing information on public figures and sending videos and pictures of locations across the country to his handlers.
According to a report by CNN, Yaakov Perl (49) was arrested earlier this month after an investigation by the Shin Bet security agency and the National Crime Unit of the Israeli police.
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A joint statement by the police and Shin Bet security agency stated that the accused had initially requested asylum for himself and his family from the Iranian embassy by phone in 2017. He was living in Morocco in recent years.
In 2023, he began engaging with Iranian news outlets on social media and publishing content critical of Israel and Zionism, CNN reported.
In January, Perl wrote an article that Israel said was in support of Hezbollah following Israel’s killing of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
The authorities said that after the article’s publication Perl was approached by Iranian operatives and he agreed to cooperate.
“He provided the Iranians with information on Israeli public figures and citizens, including former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir,” police and the Shin Bet said. “As part of his activities, Perl also took photos and videos of various streets and locations throughout Israel. He was paid in cryptocurrency for his work.”
The statement said that Perl’s actions were “all based on ideological motives and opposition to Zionism.”
According to a report by CNN, the Israeli police had investigated more than 25 case since October 7, 2023, related to espionage activity linked to Iran, resulting in approximately 46 arrests.
Israel
September 26, 2025, 01:04 IST
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