Israeli Engineer Indicted for Alleged Espionage and Contact with Iranian Intelligence

Doron Buchbaza, a 29-year-old Israeli engineer, has been indicted on charges of contacting Iranian intelligence and attempting to sell classified information, including access to Israel’s nuclear research facility. Arrested following a joint operation by police and security agencies, Buchbaza’s alleged activities involved photographing sensitive sites and receiving cryptocurrency payments. Authorities warn against engagement with foreign operatives, emphasizing the risks to national security.

An Israeli engineer, Doron Buchbaza, has been indicted for allegedly contacting Iranian intelligence and attempting to sell classified information, including access to Israel’s nuclear research facility. The 29-year-old from Be’er Sheva was charged with contacting a foreign agent and transferring information to an enemy, following his arrest last month during a joint operation by Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency.

Buchbaza reportedly initiated contact via Telegram, expressing his intention to collaborate with Iranian operatives. Between December and February, he executed various tasks for his handler, including capturing images of sensitive sites and falsely claiming to have access to the Negev Nuclear Research Center. The listed activities involved public information about the facility.

As part of the allegations, it is claimed that Buchbaza was aware of the risks posed to national security by engaging with Iranian intelligence operatives. Under his handler’s direction, he filmed himself making a hand gesture in Be’er Sheva and documented local supermarket prices in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. His efforts escalated to offering a meeting abroad and falsely linking information to a nuclear facility.

Following the arrest of two Israeli soldiers on charges similar to his, Buchbaza deleted previous communications but subsequently reestablished contact. He allegedly warned his handler about an upcoming Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites, asserting that he possessed inside knowledge. In response to his indictment, Shin Bet and police cautioned the public against engaging unknown foreign contacts related to adversarial states.

The joint statement from security officials remarked, “Iranian intelligence and terrorist operatives continue efforts to recruit Israelis for espionage and security-related tasks,” emphasizing the role of social media in recruitment tactics. Furthermore, it affirmed the commitment of Israeli security agencies to thwart Iranian operations and hold individuals accountable under the law. This case exemplifies a growing trend of Israeli citizens being targeted by Iranian intelligence for recruitment, with several ongoing investigations and indictments in recent months.

The indictment of Doron Buchbaza underscores ongoing concerns regarding espionage activities involving Israeli citizens and adversarial foreign intelligence. His actions highlight the risks posed by digital communication platforms in facilitating such engagements. As Israeli authorities intensify their efforts to prevent such activities, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant against potential recruitment by foreign operatives.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com