A major security scandal has rocked Israel with the arrest of Edward Yusupov, a 65-year-old man accused of spying for a foreign enemy. Yusupov, a resident of Netivot, was caught gathering sensitive information on military and security sites in Israel. Authorities say he was secretly working for a hostile nation, believed to be Iran, in exchange for large sums of money.
The arrest was made public on Sunday, and the details are deeply troubling. Edward Yusupov was found taking photos and conducting surveillance of critical sites such as military bases, the Haifa Port, the Haifa refineries, and even a nuclear research facility. Israeli security forces, including the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Police, uncovered his activities after an in-depth investigation.
Edward Yusupov’s actions highlight the risks posed by foreign intelligence operations. Spying activities such as these can compromise national security, weaken defense capabilities, and expose sensitive information to hostile entities. The authorities are emphasizing that such incidents are not isolated and that foreign adversaries continue to seek ways to exploit individuals for intelligence purposes.
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A Dangerous Connection Exposed
According to officials, Yusupov’s involvement in espionage began in October 2024, when he made contact with a mysterious individual claiming to be from Azerbaijan but living in Dubai. This person turned out to be a handler working for an enemy nation. Under the handler’s instructions, Yusupov carried out secret assignments that could have endangered Israel’s national security.
One of his most alarming actions was renting an apartment in Haifa that overlooked the city’s port. Investigators believe this location was meant to be used as an operational base for enemy agents. His mission was clear: to gather intelligence, take photographs, and report back to his foreign handler.
Security agencies also discovered that Yusupov received large payments through encrypted financial transactions, a method often used in espionage to avoid detection. To further hide his activities, he used secret communication methods. Even though he suspected early on that he was working for an enemy intelligence service, he continued to carry out assignments, putting his country at risk.
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Authorities suspect that Yusupov may not have been acting alone. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional individuals were involved in his activities, either knowingly or unknowingly. There is growing concern that more Israeli citizens may have been approached by foreign handlers in similar schemes.
Authorities Issue a Stern Warning
Israeli authorities have taken swift action against Yusupov, with the Southern District Attorney’s Office preparing to file an indictment in court on March 24. Security officials are deeply concerned about the growing trend of foreign intelligence agencies using Israeli citizens for espionage.
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Following this arrest, security agencies have once again warned the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown foreign contacts. Officials stress that enemy intelligence services often use social media and online platforms to recruit unsuspecting individuals for spying and other harmful activities.
Authorities urge citizens to be aware of any unusual requests, particularly those involving photography of sensitive sites, sharing personal information, or financial transactions from unknown sources. Suspicious interactions should be reported immediately to law enforcement agencies.
This case serves as a reminder that national security threats can come from within. Authorities are urging all citizens to report any suspicious contacts or unusual requests immediately. The safety and security of the country depend on constant vigilance, and every citizen plays a role in protecting Israel from such dangerous threats.
