Israeli prosecutors have formally charged a 30-year-old resident of Rishon LeZion, Dennis (Denis) Liakhov, with serious offenses related to national security. The indictment, filed in the Lod District Court, accuses him of maintaining contact with an Iranian intelligence agent and passing sensitive information during a time of war.
Charges and Allegations
According to the prosecution, Liakhov communicated with his Iranian handler via the encrypted Telegram messaging app. He allegedly received digital payments in exchange for carrying out intelligence-gathering tasks within Israeli territory. Specific accusations include:
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Filming a street and nearby residential buildings in Petah Tikva and sending the video with GPS data.
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Entering a car dealership in Netanya to ask about seven different vehicles while secretly recording the visit.
Despite reportedly filming the incorrect location in one instance, Liakhov still received compensation.
Timeline and Activities
Investigators believe Liakhov began working for the Iranian agent while living abroad in Latvia. He later returned to Israel, where he continued the espionage activity under direct instruction. His tasks were carried out during a period of heightened conflict between Israel and Iran, which had escalated dramatically following Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure earlier in June 2025.
Legal Context and Implications
Israeli law treats aiding an enemy during wartime as a serious criminal offense. Prosecutors have requested that Liakhov remain in custody until the conclusion of his trial, citing the gravity of the accusations and the potential threat to national security.
This case is part of a broader trend of espionage incidents allegedly linked to Iran. In recent months, Israeli authorities have detained several citizens suspected of passing information or conducting surveillance for Iranian handlers. These cases have included:
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A teenager accused of photographing ATM locations and spraying graffiti messages at Iran’s request.
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A 17-year-old who allegedly gathered information on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during a hospital visit.
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Israeli reservists charged with leaking military data on air defense systems.
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Members of a spy ring who documented IDF bases and military installations.
National Security Concerns Rise
Israeli intelligence officials have warned of increased Iranian efforts to exploit local operatives—through ideology, financial incentives, or coercion—to obtain sensitive data about Israeli infrastructure, military capabilities, and public figures.
This evolving threat landscape has prompted heightened surveillance and cyber-monitoring, as well as legislative discussions about tightening counter-espionage protocols.
The indictment of Dennis Liakhov underscores the ongoing espionage threat Israel faces from hostile foreign actors. It reflects how foreign intelligence operations are increasingly targeting civilians through digital channels, using low-profile recruits to gather seemingly minor details that could serve larger strategic purposes. As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to evolve, so too does the complex battle over information, infiltration, and internal security.
