American Man, 20, Suspected of Spying for Iran After Allegedly Photographing Sensitive Sites for Pay

Police and the Israel Security Agency announced today (Tuesday) that they have completed their investigation into a 20-year-old American citizen suspected of contact with a foreign agent and of carrying out assignments for Iranian intelligence operatives. At the conclusion of the investigation, a prosecutor’s declaration was submitted to the court, while police also requested that his detention be extended until the end of legal proceedings, ahead of the expected filing of an indictment in the coming days.

According to the police statement, the investigation was conducted by the Jerusalem District’s central unit in cooperation with the Israel Security Agency, under a sweeping gag order. It was opened after indications were received from international security bodies, leading to the suspect’s arrest on June 9, 2026.

The investigation found that in recent months, the suspect had been in contact with handlers working on behalf of Iranian intelligence operatives. According to the suspicion, as part of that contact he carried out a series of different assignments for them, including documenting and photographing sensitive sites in Israel. The investigation further found that for each assignment he carried out, he received payment ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars.

Police attribute to the suspect offenses of contact with a foreign agent and harming state security. His detention was extended from time to time in court throughout the investigation period, in accordance with investigative needs and the actions carried out during it. After investigators said an evidentiary foundation had been formed against him, it was decided to submit a prosecutor’s declaration to the court indicating the intention to file an indictment against him in the coming days, along with a request to continue his detention until the end of the legal proceedings.

Investigations officer Captain Amichai Fanta addressed the case: "In recent months, several defendants accused of spying for the enemy have been exposed. Some carried out these acts during wartime, thereby helping the enemy carry out its plot within Israeli territory. Together with the Israel Security Agency, we will continue to locate and expose offenses of this kind, and to arrest and bring to justice any person who harms state security and endangers civilians."