An Israeli citizen, Artium Zolotrav, was arrested on suspicion of working with Iranian agents and carrying out operations in Israel for monetary gain, Israeli authorities announced on Monday. The 33-year-old from Nof Hagalil was detained after he spray-painted anti-government graffiti in several cities, including Haifa and Migdal Ha’emek.
Zolotrav’s interrogation revealed he had been in contact with an Iranian agent, identified only as “Eliad,” who instructed him to carry out graffiti missions against Israel. In return, Zolotrav was paid $2,800 in cryptocurrency. Over time, Zolotrav also filmed himself performing these acts and sent the footage to Eliad, erasing the graffiti afterward.
The suspect was later asked by Eliad to carry out more serious operations, including photographing residential buildings, burning vehicles, and even killing an individual for $125,000. Zolotrav complied with some requests, including burning a car in Haifa for $2,000, but refused to engage in the more extreme activities.
Zolotrav was also introduced to another Iranian agent, “Boaz Mar,” and was tasked with spray-painting slogans such as “children of Ruhollah” in reference to Iran’s founder, Ayatollah Khomeini. He is set to face an indictment for his actions.
