The Shin Bet security agency has uncovered an Iranian intelligence plot to lure former Israeli security officials and academics abroad, according to an announcement on Thursday.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Iranians used fictitious email accounts to contact Israeli officials while impersonating real-life academics, journalists, businessmen, and philanthropists who are unaware their identities are being used for such a purpose, the Shin Bet said.
The statement further detailed that the Iranians would present a believable "cover story" and try to gather information on the Israeli officials or invite them to conferences abroad, possibly to abduct or hurt them.
Some of the names used were those of Swiss researcher Oliver Thränert, head of the Center for Security Studies and British journalist Con Coughlin, defense editor at The Daily Telegraph. In another attempt, an operative calling himself "Nikolai" presented himself as the assistant of Russian billionaire Andrey Andreev.
The Israeli officials who were contacted did not respond and immediately alerted security forces.
"It is a well-known method of operation of the Iranian intelligence and security bodies, headed by the Intelligence Organization of the Revolutionary Guards, Quds Force, and the Ministry of Intelligence," the Shin Bet said.
It was later revealed that one of the Israeli officials targeted by the Iranian operatives was former IDF Chief of Staff and later-Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon. According to reports, Ya'alon immediately understood that he was being scammed and alerted the Shin Bet.
Sources close to Ya'alon refused to comment on the matter.
Earlier in May, the Shin Bet exposed an Iranian espionage network that worked to track down and recruit Israeli civilians for spy missions and prepare attacks on targets in Israel.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
