Israeli police arrested a Russian man in December 2025 for spying for Iran, photographing military sites and U.S. Navy vessels.

Israeli authorities arrested 30-year-old Russian national Vitaly Zvyagintsev in early December 2025 for spying for Iran, charging him with photographing ports, military sites, and infrastructure including U.S. Navy vessels and Israel’s Ramat David Air Force base. He allegedly communicated with an Iranian handler using the alias “Roman,” received payments in digital currency, and continued surveillance despite prior detention and a warning to delete footage. The case is part of a broader Iranian effort to infiltrate Israel, with dozens detained in recent years. Israel’s Shin Bet warns against contact with individuals from hostile nations, especially online, and emphasizes ongoing threats from foreign espionage.