The Shin Bet and Israel Police revealed that Tamirlan Ameshukov (26) and Alina Kushnirenko (24) photographed sensitive targets including Eilat Port and the museum and cemetery at Mount Herzl under the direction of an Iranian handler, in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. The couple was arrested in July 2026, and an indictment was filed Thursday at the Tel Aviv District Court. Authorities warned the public about recruitment attempts via social media.
An indictment filed Thursday at 13:31 Jerusalem at the Tel Aviv District Court against Tamirlan Ameshukov (26) and Alina Kushnirenko (24) of Ashkelon reveals new details about their alleged espionage activities for Iranian intelligence. The couple, arrested in July 2026 following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Israel Police, were charged with espionage earlier this afternoon. The indictment now specifies the targets they allegedly photographed under the direction of an Iranian handler: the Port of Eilat, and the museum and cemetery at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. According to the investigation, they purchased a smartphone in Eilat to carry out the missions and received payment in cryptocurrency.
Earlier reports at 13:31 Jerusalem had already identified the suspects and noted that the indictment included documentation of Mount Herzl hours before a state ceremony with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The current indictment provides the precise locations: the Mount Herzl museum and cemetery, and the Eilat Port. The thread shows a progression from general espionage allegations to specific target details, now fully disclosed in the indictment.
This case is part of a broader pattern of Iranian intelligence recruitment of Israeli civilians via social media, as The Zioneer has reported. Previous cases include a Haifa resident charged in June, a yeshiva student indicted in July, and a Tajik national arrested for similar activities. The Shin Bet and police reiterated their warning to the public against responding to suspicious job offers on social media platforms.
The full extent of the intelligence that the couple allegedly transmitted to Iranian handlers remains under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects linked to this network are being pursued.
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