Prosecutors in Yerushalayim have filed an indictment against a 21-year-old resident, Moshe Lechovitz, accusing him of maintaining contact with an Iranian intelligence operative and carrying out assignments on his behalf in exchange for payment. Authorities are also seeking to keep him in custody until the end of legal proceedings.

According to the charges, Lechovitz initially connected with an individual identifying himself as “Michael” while searching for work. What began as what appeared to be a routine conversation developed into an ongoing relationship, during which “Michael” engaged him in discussions about personal matters, religion, and Israel, even expressing an affinity for observant Jews. At one point, he requested a copy of Lechovitz’s identification, which was provided.

Investigators say that “Michael” later instructed Lechovitz to set up a digital wallet using the Trust app to facilitate payments. He was then assigned various photography tasks and directed to install a mobile application that allowed him to record video even when the screen was turned off, effectively turning his phone into what prosecutors described as an “operational device.”

One of the first assignments involved filming the Liberty Bell Park area in Yerushalayim. According to the indictment, Lechovitz went to the location, recorded footage of the grounds, and sent the video to his handler via Telegram. In return, he received approximately $618 in digital currency on May 4, 2025.

He was later asked to carry out a similar assignment in Ra’anana. Despite not holding a valid driver’s license, he reportedly drove to the area, filmed a designated route using the same device, and transmitted the footage to the foreign agent through Telegram. For that task, prosecutors say he was paid about $909. He was also instructed to purchase a can of paint while documenting the action, and that footage was likewise sent.

At a certain stage, prosecutors allege that Lechovitz realized the individual he was working with was affiliated with Iran. Nevertheless, he continued maintaining contact and completing assignments that could assist in gathering intelligence. The activity is said to have continued during Operation “Am KeLavi” in late June 2025. During that time, he was asked what additional locations he could document and suggested on his own the area known as Pardes Morasha near the Morasha Junction. He reportedly borrowed a vehicle, again drove without a license, filmed the site, and sent the material to the Iranian contact.

In total, the indictment states that Lechovitz received approximately $3,276 in digital payments. The relationship reportedly took a turn when the handler told him that, in his view, all Jews should die except for the ultra-Orthodox. Following that exchange, Lechovitz is said to have cut off communication, stopped responding, and handed over the phone he had been using after replacing the SIM card and deleting its contents.

However, the connection did not entirely end. On September 28, 2025, the same individual reportedly reached out again, asking Lechovitz to help locate someone who had allegedly taken $1,000 from him for a motorcycle purchase and then disappeared. Lechovitz responded that he could not assist.

Lechovitz faces charges including contact with a foreign agent, passing information to an enemy, and additional related offenses. The case is part of a growing pattern uncovered in recent months in which Iranian operatives have attempted to recruit Israeli civilians online through personal outreach, encrypted messaging platforms, and payments in digital currencies.

{Matzav.com}