Iranian intelligence agents attempted to lure Israelis abroad to meet, in an attempt to harm or kidnap them, the Shin Bet security service and Mossad intelligence agency says in a joint statement.
Iranian agents set up fake Instagram profiles, usually of women in the tourism business, and contacted Israelis. They attempted to draw Israelis to meetings abroad with business propositions or offers for a romantic rendezvous, the intelligence services say.
They warn Israelis who conduct business abroad to be wary of queries from social media accounts.
“Security officials call on Israeli citizens who maintain business ties abroad to be aware and vigilant about inquiries on social networks from profiles they do not recognize, and to avoid contact with them,” the agencies say.
The countries named by the agencies include Arab countries, Turkey, the Gulf states, and countries in the Caucasus, Africa and Europe.
Examples of fictitious profiles used by Iranian operatives to lure Israelis (courtesy of ISA).
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