A 13-year-old boy from Tel Aviv has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out acts of vandalism on behalf of Iran in exchange for financial compensation, the Israel Police and Shin Bet say in a joint statement.
They say the boy spray-painted graffiti in the Tel Aviv area at the behest of an Iranian agent, but do not elaborate on what the content of the graffiti was.
The minor, a resident of Tel Aviv, was contacted by the foreign agent via the Telegram messaging app.
Past Iranian espionage cases have alleged that suspects hung posters with pro-Iran messaging, while other suspects are said to have been enlisted to spray paint anti-Netanyahu slogans.
The agent also reportedly requested the youth take photographs of the Iron Dome missile defense system, but he refused.
A spokesman for law enforcement says the 13-year-old was released to house arrest.
Police call on parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s internet activity to ensure they do not make contact with foreign agents.
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Tuesday, June 10, 2025
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