The Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency) and Israeli Police announced today (Thursday) the exposure of an Iranian intelligence network that was recruiting and directing Israeli citizens for espionage activities. As part of the investigation, a couple from Lod was arrested on suspicion of conducting intelligence-gathering operations on national infrastructure, security sites, and surveillance of an academic figure. The Central District Prosecutor’s Office is expected to file a severe indictment against them today.

According to the Shin Bet and police statement, Raphael and Lala Gulayev, both 32 and residents of Lod, were arrested after allegedly carrying out tasks on behalf of an Iranian-backed network recruiting “Israeli citizens of Caucasian descent.” The investigation revealed that Raphael Gulayev was recruited by Elshan Agayev, a 56-year-old Azerbaijani acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence.

In the course of his involvement, Gulayev allegedly carried out surveillance missions on sensitive Israeli sites, including Mossad headquarters, and gathered intelligence on a prominent academic at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), whom the Iranian operatives had targeted for physical harm. Additionally, Gulayev was reportedly tasked with finding someone to serve as an assassin for his Iranian handler. Some of these missions were allegedly completed with the assistance of his wife, Lala.

A senior Shin Bet official commented, “These cases add to a series of recent thwarted espionage attempts involving Israeli citizens operated by Iranian intelligence to conduct tasks on their behalf. The investigations reveal, once again, the efforts of Iranian intelligence to recruit and exploit Israeli citizens for espionage and terror-related activities in Israel.”

Major General (ret.) Tamir Hayman, Head of INSS, responded to the revelations, stating: “It is unsurprising that members of the Institute for National Security Studies are targeted by Iran and its proxies, even though we are an independent organization and not part of Israel’s security establishment. We are in continuous contact with relevant authorities and operate in accordance with their guidelines.”

More Than 600 Missions Completed: Espionage Cell Indicted for Iran-Related Activities

A week ago, it was reported that an indictment was filed against seven individuals accused of serious security offenses, including espionage for Iran over an extended period, in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars. They face charges of aiding an enemy during wartime and providing information to an enemy, with possible sentences of life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.

The suspects, Aziz Nisanov, Alexander Sedikov, Yigal Nissan, Vyacheslav Gushchin, Yevgeny Yofa, and two minors, are alleged to have photographed and gathered intelligence on military bases, strategic sites, and other critical infrastructure across Israel for two years. These sites included locations attacked by Iran during the conflict, such as the Nevatim and Ramat David Air Force bases, the Kirya (Defense Ministry complex), Iron Dome batteries, and others.

The indictment describes a hierarchical organizational structure, with Aziz Nisanov, 43, as the head of the cell and main point of contact with the Iranian handlers. His deputy, Alexander Sedikov, 58, was reportedly responsible for managing the cell’s activities, task distribution, and payments. The minor suspects were mainly responsible for photographing strategic and security sites, sending the materials, and receiving payments. In the event of capture, Nisanov had crafted a cover story for the cell, portraying them as “tour guides.”