The Mossad and the GSS have revealed that through fictitious profiles on social networks, intelligence officials are trying to "attract" Israelis to meetings abroad. • The fear: if they come, they will be abducted
A joint operation by the General Security Service and the Mossad revealed a method of operation by Iranian intelligence agents, through which they worked to entice Israelis to go to various countries abroad, in order to harm or abduct them.
GSS and Mossad reveal: This is how Iranian intelligence officials try to "attract" Israelis to meetings abroad // Photo: GSS spokeswoman
The method is based on the use of fictitious profiles on a social network and contact with Israelis who have business ties with factors around the world and tend to go abroad.
The method worked as follows: Iranian elements have opened fictitious profiles of women, who, ostensibly, are engaged in business and tourism, on the social network "Instagram".
These profiles made contacts with Israeli citizens, coordinated meetings with them abroad and tried to "attract" them to meetings on various business or romantic pretexts.
This type of activity is carried out in a variety of countries that maintain ties with Israel and with Israelis, including Arab countries, Turkey, the Gulf countries, the Caucasus, Africa and Europe.
This is a familiar pattern of action similar to the one previously carried out by Iran in the face of regime opponents in Europe.
Now, Iran is acting in a similar way with Israeli citizens seeking to develop legitimate business ties abroad in the countries mentioned.
There is a real fear that this activity by Iranian elements will lead to attempts to harm Israelis or abduct them in the same countries in which the Iranians operate.
Against the background of the exposure of the Iranians' method of operation, security officials call on Israeli citizens who maintain business ties abroad to be aware and vigilant regarding inquiries on social networks from profiles they do not recognize, and to prevent contact with them.