American Charged in Israel With Spying for Iran in Exchange for Crypto

Here is the latest from the digital-asset markets: In brief A 21-year-old American man has been indicted in Israel on espionage charges—the first such case involving a U. citizen amid a broader wave of Iran-linked spying prosecutions.

Prosecutors say Lavon was recruited via Telegram, filmed sensitive sites and left hidden items with coded messages for Iranian handlers, and was paid in cryptocurrency. Lavon faces charges of contact with a foreign agent and communicating information useful to an enemy; his lawyer disputes that the conduct amounts to espionage.

Crypto markets are watching this development closely as investors weigh its potential impact on prices.