An Israeli Air Force reservist and his wife have been arrested on charges of passing sensitive military information to Iranian intelligence, allegedly in exchange for digital currency, in the latest espionage case targeting Iran-related operations.

Israeli authorities have filed formal charges against 27-year-old Shimon Azarzar, an Air Force officer stationed in Haifa Bay, accusing him of providing sensitive information and images of military sites to Iranian intelligence. Azarzar and his wife were taken into custody last October by Israeli police and Shin Bet, the internal security agency, on suspicion of cooperating directly with Iran.

Investigations indicate that Azarzar had maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives for over a year. During this period, he allegedly photographed and documented coordinates of sensitive sites, including military bases, and offered detailed information to Iranian handlers. Authorities claim he used his wife’s position as a reservist in the Air Force to access additional classified information. Payments for these activities were reportedly made through digital currency transfers.

Azarzar’s wife, who works as a nurse in the Air Force, has also been detained under similar allegations. According to court filings, she denies knowledge of Iranian recruitment and maintains that any information she provided was limited to ordinary personal discussions. Her indictment is reportedly still under preparation.

This case represents the fifth indictment in recent weeks involving individuals accused of espionage for Iran. Israeli security sources suggest that most of the suspects acted with financial motives, and around 40 detainees are being held in a special section of Damon Prison, which also houses Palestinian security prisoners.

In a parallel development, Iranian authorities reported the arrest of a seven-member spy cell consisting of Iranian citizens accused of conducting espionage activities for Israel. Analysts suggest that these reciprocal arrests reflect ongoing intelligence tensions between the two nations and the high stakes involved in military and technological information exchanges.

The Azarzar case has drawn attention for its combination of alleged financial incentives, exploitation of military access, and the sophisticated methods employed to transfer sensitive intelligence. Security experts warn that espionage activities of this nature underscore the vulnerabilities inherent in reserve and support personnel, and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Israel and Iran in counterintelligence operations. (ILKHA)