Jerusalem, 25 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities have charged a 14-year-old boy with aiding Iranian intelligence, marking a rare case of alleged espionage involving a minor. Prosecutors say the teenager was recruited online and carried out tasks that could have exposed sensitive military and government locations.
According to the indictment, filed Wednesday in Tel Aviv’s Juvenile Court, the boy was contacted through a Telegram group in April 2025 and agreed to perform assignments in exchange for cryptocurrency. Over several months, he received more than $1,170 for actions authorities describe as espionage and subversion.
The indictment details a series of activities, including filming public areas in Tel Aviv, capturing the city skyline, and identifying buildings of strategic interest, such as the Defense Ministry’s headquarters. He was also reportedly asked to help locate an apartment near that building to facilitate surveillance.
Prosecutors allege the teenager carried out smaller tasks first, such as spraying graffiti across the city and on vehicles, with messages that appeared to endorse Iranian directives. At a later stage, he was instructed to target the home of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, including preparing videos of the minister. The boy reportedly told authorities he could not complete the task immediately due to school obligations but indicated he could act during a vacation period.
Authorities also say the boy attempted to interfere with the investigation. After being questioned, he allegedly asked a classmate to falsely claim responsibility for the cryptocurrency transactions, resulting in additional charges for obstruction of justice.
The Attorney General’s Office said the case “illustrates how hostile actors are increasingly recruiting minors online, offering financial incentives without revealing the full scope or potential consequences of their actions.”
The trial will continue in the Tel Aviv District Juvenile Court. Israeli authorities have not indicated whether other suspects are involved.