Seven suspects, accused of forming an Iranian spy ring, were indicted on Friday on charges of aiding the enemy during wartime, a crime punishable by life imprisonment.
The accused—five adults and two minors, including a father and his son—allegedly conducted two years of surveillance on military and strategic sites across Israel under orders from Iranian intelligence.
2 View gallery
Suspects charged with spying for Iran appear before a court via video link
(Photo: Gil Nechushtan)
Court documents reveal that the suspects photographed the Nevatim, Ramat David, Tel Nof and Palmachim air bases, as well as Iron Dome missile defense batteries, government buildings in Haifa, and ports in Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat. Other targets reportedly included the Hadera power plant, the IDF observation balloon at Golani Junction and various sensitive locations.
The alleged ringleader, Aziz Nisanov, 43, from Haifa, reportedly coordinated with two Iranian handlers and recruited other cell members. Alexander Sadikov, 58, also from Haifa, is accused of acting as Nisanov’s deputy, assigning tasks and managing operations. One of the minors reportedly handled most of the photography, relaying images to Iranian contacts.
One of the minors is accused of conducting most of the surveillance photography and transmitting the images to Iranian handlers. Additional suspects include Yigal Nisan, 20, Nisanov's son; Vyacheslav Guschin, 46, of Haifa; Yevgeni Ioffe, 47, from Nof Hagalil; and another minor.
Prosecutors in Haifa charged the group with gathering intelligence on both military installations and civilian infrastructure. Following Iran's attack on Israel in April, they were instructed to photograph Nevatim Airbase. Locations were sent with precise instructions, maps and aerial views, detailing angles and vantage points for the photos.
Iranian ballistic missiles over Temple Mount
One of the underage defendants was also briefed on locations required for future missions, including the dining hall at the Golani training base, which was struck by a deadly drone attack earlier this month, and a defense industry site in northern Israel.
Nisanov was additionally tasked with gathering information on a Haifa University lecturer, a gas engineer and Caucasus expert, including her schedule, family details, vehicle and more. According to the indictment, one Iranian handler directed Nisanov to attend and photograph the Azerbaijan embassy’s opening in Tel Aviv in March 2023 after Nisanov revealed that his mother had been invited to the event. Although the event was closed, Nisanov’s mother took photos, which he then sent to his handler.
In September, prior to the group’s arrest, Nisanov was instructed to rent a yacht and sail to Cyprus to film the port and maritime route from Cyprus to Haifa. After inquiring about renting a boat or training as a captain, Nisanov shared the estimated costs with his handler, who ultimately canceled the plan.
2 View gallery
Satellite image of Nevatim Airbase showing damage to one of the hangars following Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack
(Photo: Planet Labs Inc)
The indictment also details a September mission to photograph a soccer match and training sessions for adults and children at Be’er Sheva’s stadium. They were also asked to take photos of the city’s museum and the nearby community of Lahav, capturing its streets, fences and surrounding areas.
Nisanov informed his handlers of his invitation to perform at an event honoring the Bukhara community, attended by President Isaac Herzog and government officials. He shared a list and descriptions of attendees and was instructed to photograph them but was arrested before the event took place.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: