Israeli Engineer Charged with Espionage for Alleged Contact with Iran

Doron Buchbaza, a 29-year-old Israeli engineer, has been charged with offering classified information to Iranian intelligence, including access claims to Israel’s nuclear facility. His actions included photographing sensitive sites and communicating via Telegram. This case highlights ongoing concerns about foreign espionage and recruitment of Israeli citizens.

An Israeli engineer has been charged with attempting to offer classified information to Iranian intelligence, including access to Israel’s nuclear research facility. Doron Buchbaza, 29, from Be’er Sheva, was indicted for contacting a foreign agent and transferring information harmful to national security, following an arrest by Israeli authorities.

The investigation revealed that Buchbaza initiated communication with Iranian operatives via Telegram, expressing interest in collaborating and claiming to have access to sensitive sites. Over several months, from December to February, he fulfilled various tasks for monetary compensation in cryptocurrency, including photographing important locations.

Furthermore, Buchbaza allegedly misrepresented his knowledge of the Negev Nuclear Research Center and provided publicly available information. Following the arrest of two Israeli reservists for similar activities, he deleted his communications with Iranian contacts, only to reconnect later and warn them about impending Israeli military operations targeting Iranian facilities.

Officials from Shin Bet and the Israeli police caution citizens against engaging unknown foreign entities, especially those associated with adversarial nations. They emphasized that Iranian intelligence continues to recruit individuals for espionage and security-related activities through various channels, notably social media.

This case is part of a larger trend wherein several Israeli citizens have allegedly been recruited by Iranian operatives for financial rewards. While some cases have led to formal charges, others are still under investigation, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by foreign intelligence activities against Israeli nationals.

In summary, Doron Buchbaza’s indictment for attempting to sell classified information to Iranian intelligence highlights the critical threat of espionage against Israel. This incident reflects a growing trend of foreign recruitment of Israeli citizens, particularly through digital platforms, prompting authorities to bolster security measures and public awareness. The continuing vigilance of Israeli security agencies is essential to counter these threats effectively.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com