A Russian media outlet has identified the Israeli-Russian dual citizen arrested by the Shin Bet last month on suspicion of maintaining contact with a foreign intelligence operative and involvement in foreign influence activities targeting Israel.
According to the report, the suspect is 51-year-old Artyom Kirpichonok, who was arrested by Shin Bet agents at Ben Gurion Airport on August 2 after arriving on a flight from Yerevan, Armenia.
Kirpichonok was born in St. Petersburg and immigrated to Israel in the 1990s before later returning to Russia, where he has reportedly lived since 2005.
The Central District Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that an indictment was filed against the suspect, along with a request that he remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
A sweeping gag order remains in effect in Israel regarding details of the case. However, authorities have permitted publication that the defendant was detained upon arriving in Israel and was prevented from meeting with an attorney until approximately a week and a half ago.
Despite the Israeli restrictions, Russian outlet Meduza published Kirpichonok’s identity.
His family has rejected the allegations against him, claiming the investigation stems from his longstanding connections to Russia. Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov confirmed that Moscow submitted an official request regarding the case, while Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it is continuing to provide assistance.
Russian diplomatic officials have reportedly been unable to visit Kirpichonok because he also holds Israeli citizenship.
Kirpichonok has written extensively about Israel and has expressed sharply critical views of the Israeli government and Zionism. Associates say he had traveled to Israel to participate in an academic conference before his arrest.
Supporters in Russia have since launched a petition calling for his release.
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