Israeli soldiers involved in leaking Iron Dome secrets to Iran via Telegram, receiving $1,000 in cryptocurrency. Spying during wartime can result in the death penalty. Taiwan also has cases of Chinese Communist Party using cryptocurrency to leak military secrets, highlighting emerging national security challenges.
Israeli Reserve Soldier Accepts Cryptocurrency to Spy for Iran
The Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) recently announced the indictment of a reserve soldier involved with the Iron Dome missile defense system for allegedly engaging in espionage for Iran. He is currently charged with aiding the enemy during wartime.
Investigations revealed that 26-year-old Raz Cohen contacted Iranian intelligence officials for about a month. In December 2025, he provided sensitive information about Iron Dome operations, airbase and artillery positions. Before cutting off contact in February this year, he received the equivalent of $1,000 in cryptocurrency.
Helping the Enemy During War Can Lead to Life Imprisonment or Death
The indictment states that under Israeli law, aiding the enemy during wartime can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The police detailed how Cohen leaked military secrets. He served in the Air Force from 2019 to 2022 as a technician for the Iron Dome system. After discharge, he continued in the reserves and participated in the June 2025 conflict with Iran.
On December 6, 2025, Iranian agents contacted Cohen via Telegram and offered money. Cohen then explained the division of Iron Dome systems and sent 27 multimedia files showing launch procedures.
At the request of the agents, he provided the precise locations of seven air force bases and two artillery positions, and even leaked contact information of citizens such as presidential guards. It was only in February this year that, after the other party used a photo of Cohen’s relative as a profile picture, he blocked them and deleted the app.
- Further reading: BBC exposes China hotel spy industry chain: accommodation turns into adult film stars, Telegram becomes a hub for illegal activities
Iran recruits spies via Telegram, authorities set up prison zones
The Israel Police and the Shin Bet issued a statement warning citizens not to contact enemy agents. The statement emphasized that hostile countries continue to use social networks to recruit Israelis for espionage activities.
According to the Jerusalem Post, over the past two years, dozens of Israelis have faced charges for spying for Iran, many of whom were recruited through Telegram.
Due to the increase in indictments, Israeli authorities have opened a new section at the Damon Prison in Haifa, specifically to detain suspects facing espionage charges. Most cases are still in judicial proceedings, with only one person convicted so far.
Cryptocurrency as a Penetration Tool, Taiwan Also Has Leaked Secrets Cases
Similar infiltration and cryptocurrency payment methods have also occurred in Taiwan. In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has continued to infiltrate Taiwan’s military, using the convenience of cross-border cryptocurrency payments to pose new challenges to secret protection.
For example, in September 2024, the Qiaotou District Prosecutor’s Office concluded a case where Lieutenant Han took photos of classified documents and sent them via Telegram to Chinese individuals, in exchange for over 8,000 Tether (USDT). In November 2025, another former Captain Yu, driven by financial difficulties and recruited by the CCP, took photos of military guidelines and leaked contact information of active soldiers, receiving nearly 5,000 Tether.
In the current tense international situation, how governments strengthen the protection of military secrets and effectively respond to such security threats has become an urgent issue.
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