Netivot resident arrested after conducting surveillance and filming at security sites in Haifa – under the direction of hostile elements from abroad
(haipo) – In a joint operation by the General Security Service (GSS), the Lahav 433 cyber unit, and the Israel Police, Edward Yusupov, 65, from Netivot, was arrested in February on suspicion of committing serious security offenses – including espionage and involvement with intelligence elements of an enemy state.
According to the details of the investigation, which were published today (Sunday, 23/03/25) by Shin Bet and police spokespeople, since last October, Yusupov has been in contact with a person who presented himself as an Azerbaijani citizen living in Dubai. Under his direction, he carried out a series of espionage missions - including photographing and monitoring sensitive sites and security infrastructure in Israel, including:
- IDF bases
- Port of Haifa
- The refineries in Haifa Bay
- The Nuclear Research Institute in the South of Israel
Apartment with a view of Haifa Port – for operational use
During the investigation, it was revealed that Yusupov rented an apartment in a residential neighborhood in Haifa, overlooking the port, according to the instructions of his operator. The apartment was intended to serve as an observation point and a place of operational activity for those hostile elements.
Despite suspecting at an early stage that this was an intelligence operation on behalf of an enemy state, Yusupov continued to carry out the missions while receiving a payment of Tens of thousands of dollars, including through cryptocurrencies and measures to maintain confidentiality.
Shin Bet: Operated by Iranian intelligence elements
According to the security agencies' statement, there is a real suspicion that the elements with whom Yusupov was in contact are Iranian intelligence personnel. The investigation indicated methods of operation similar to previous cases of Iranian use of Israeli citizens for espionage purposes.
Charges will be filed tomorrow
The Southern District Attorney's Office is expected to file an indictment tomorrow (Monday, 24/03/25), a serious indictment against Yusupov.
Warning from the Shin Bet and the police to the public
The General Security Service and the Israel Police reiterate their warning: All contact with foreign elements from enemy countries should be avoided – even if it involves seemingly innocent offers that come via social media.
These are attempts to recruit Israelis to carry out terrorist and espionage missions – and decisive steps are being taken to bring to justice anyone involved in this type of activity.
When there are no severe punishments for him and his family, there is and will be no deterrence.
Thank you, Noga, for this report.
I called to report a citizen filming the port in the middle of the day with a video camera. It just seemed very suspicious to me, and it's important that we, as citizens of the country, pay attention to small things.
Anyway, maybe that's the case, maybe not the main thing that was captured.
Well done for being vigilant.
Appreciate all the security forces for their activities.
A resident of Netivot should be indicted for treason and collusion with a foreign agent.
It's enough to be nice and compassionate.
Revocation of citizenship, revocation of all rights if he has any, and then he goes to prison for the rest of his life.