Jerusalem Man Indicted for Spying for Iran, Allegedly Paid $1,300
Eli Levon, a 21-year-old resident of Jerusalem, has been indicted by the State Prosecutor's Office on charges of espionage for Iran. The indictment reveals that Levon was in direct contact with individuals acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence, executing various tasks for them. The Prosecutor's Office has requested that he be held in custody until the conclusion of the legal process.
According to the indictment, Levon communicated with his Iranian handlers through a discreet digital platform, where he was instructed to gather intelligence. In exchange for his services, he received payments totaling approximately $1,379, transferred via cryptocurrencies to obscure their origins and evade detection by security forces and the Shin Bet.
The charges detail Levon's alleged assignments, which investigators believe were aimed at facilitating future terrorist activities or acts of sabotage. Notably, Levon is accused of photographing the Jerusalem Central Bus Station from various angles and documenting a specific building in the historic Bukharan Quarter, sending these images directly to his handlers.
In one incident, Levon reportedly participated in a covert operation known as a "dead drop." He concealed a cigarette pack at a predetermined location in Hadar Mall, which contained a note for other operatives stating, "The job is complete." This operation exemplifies the nature of his involvement in espionage activities.
The indictment underscores the severity of Levon's actions and the potential threat posed by his alleged intelligence gathering in a sensitive urban environment. As the case progresses, the implications of his activities for national security remain a significant concern for authorities.