Jerusalem, 12 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s National Headquarters for the Protection of Children Online – Unit 105, the General Security Service and the National Community Security Authority are calling on parents to increase awareness of attempts to recruit children and teenagers by Iranian elements for espionage missions against Israel.

Children and teenagers shared that they have encountered seemingly innocent messages online, tempting them to contact the advertiser. After contacting the advertiser, they are asked to provide personal information and then they are asked to perform simple tasks in exchange for money sent to them online – virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin. Among the tasks: photographing buildings and facilities, gathering information, spraying hateful graffiti, and identifying sensitive sites.

An investigation shows that these requests are being made by hostile Iranian elements, who operate on popular apps such as Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, TikTok, and more – with the aim of recruiting Israeli minors for espionage activities for Iran. The request begins as an innocent and tempting offer, then develops into a dangerous pattern of requesting identifying information, changing phones, and even performing tasks that endanger the children and their families.

TPS

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