Artyom Zolotarev, 33, faces charges of contact with a foreign agent, arson, and vandalism. Authorities allege Zolotarev was recruited online in October by an individual named �Eliad,� who directed him to spray anti-government graffiti across northern Israel and document his activities. He was reportedly paid $2,800 in cryptocurrency for these acts.

When Zolotarev realized �Eliad� might be an Iranian agent, he initially refused further instructions, including assassination and arson. However, he allegedly accepted $2,000 to set a vehicle on fire in Haifa. Zolotarev was later connected to another operator, �Boaz Mar,� and reportedly carried out further acts of vandalism.

�This case highlights Iran�s ongoing efforts to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorism,� the Shin Bet stated.

The arrest follows a string of similar cases, including the recent indictment of two Golan Heights residents for spying for Iran and earlier arrests of Israeli citizens accused of plotting high-profile assassinations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)