In a joint operation by the National Unit for Serious and International Crime Investigation within Lahav 433 and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israeli citizen Tremilan Amshukov and Ukrainian national Alina Kushnirko were arrested during July 2026. The two residents of Ashkelon were detained under suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and executing security missions under their direction.
The investigation revealed that over recent months, Amshukov maintained contact with an Iranian foreign agent and performed various security assignments on his behalf. In exchange for his activities, Amshukov received financial compensation transferred via digital cryptocurrencies. Findings further indicated that a portion of the tasks was carried out jointly by Amshukov and Kushnirko.
During the course of contact, the Iranian foreign agent instructed Amshukov to travel to Eilat and purchase an advanced mobile phone featuring high-resolution photography capabilities. Thousands of shekels were provided to fund the device purchase to enable him to conduct high-quality photography assignments as directed by the handler.
At the foreign agent’s request, Amshukov performed photography tasks at sensitive locations, including the Port of Eilat, a museum, and the military cemetery at Mount Herzl. According to investigation findings, he executed the assignments despite realizing he was operating on behalf of an Iranian foreign agent. Today, an indictment was filed against Amshukov and Kushnirko in the Tel Aviv District Court by the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.
Security officials emphasized that intelligence and terror entities from enemy states persist in efforts to recruit and operate Israelis for security missions, acts of terror, and espionage inside Israel. Officials noted these recruitment attempts frequently occur via social media outreach and deceptive job offerings.