Jerusalem, 25 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli security forces have arrested a resident of rishon lezion on suspicion of carrying out espionage-related activities at the direction of Iranian intelligence, including surveillance of former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s home, the Shin Bet and Israel Police said on Thursday.
The suspect, Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli citizen in his early 40s, was detained in December 2025. Investigators allege that Kupriyanov maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and carried out a series of security-related missions over the past two months in exchange for payment.
According to the statement, Kupriyanov was identified after he photographed areas near the private residence of former prime minister Naftali Bennett. As part of his contact with Iranian handlers, he was also instructed to purchase a vehicle-mounted camera intended to facilitate the surveillance activity.
During his interrogation, authorities said, Kupriyanov admitted to performing multiple photography missions at the request of his operators. He allegedly transferred images taken in his city of residence and in other locations across Israel, receiving various sums of money in return. Security officials did not disclose the total amount he was paid or whether additional targets were involved.
An indictment is scheduled to be filed later on Thursday in the Lod District Court.
More than 30 Israelis have been charged with espionage on behalf of Iran in 2025.
Israeli Police spokesperson Dean Elsdunne told The Press Service of Israel in July that after agents make contact with an Israeli, “It starts out slowly, with small jobs, and slowly the money increases, and they are asked to do more severe crimes as time goes on.”
Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. During 12 days of fighting, Iranian missile strikes killed 28 Israelis and injured over 3,000.
Related Topics
