Ashkelon Couple Accused of Spying for Iran in Exchange for Cryptocurrency

Ashkelon couple Tamerlan Amshukov and Alina Kushnirenko were indicted for allegedly spying on behalf of Iranian agents in exchange for cryptocurrency. The Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office charged Amshukov with contact with a foreign agent and 16 counts of providing information that could benefit the enemy, while Kushnirenko was charged with eight counts of providing such information.

The couple was arrested on July 12 after a joint Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police investigation. Prosecutors said they had been carrying out surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions for Iranian agents since April, documenting buildings, homes, and individuals in various locations across the country.

The indictment alleged that Amshukov was first approached via Telegram by a profile called 'Rafael' in late 2025, which offered to pay him to visit and film a restaurant in Ashdod. Kushnirenko allegedly warned him that the approach could be connected to terrorist activity, but he continued communicating with the profiles.

The couple allegedly received approximately $4,450 in cryptocurrency for their services, while a further $2,300 remained unpaid. They were arrested before carrying out another alleged assignment in Beersheba.