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Kaburak YakobyanScout
Country:
 Egypt |
Content:
- Egypt's Spy in Israel: A Tale of Deception and Betrayal
- The Infiltration
- The Double Agent
- The Mission
- Arrival in Brazil
- Operation Brazil
- Arrival in Israel
- The Cover Blown
- Sentence and Release
Egypt's Spy in Israel: A Tale of Deception and Betrayal
Egypt's intelligence agency, the Mukhabarat, has consistently attempted to infiltrate Israeli society with agents. In a curious twist of fate, their most daring (and often unsuccessful) operations have mirrored the actions of the Jewish state's own intelligence services.
The Infiltration
Mukhabarat agents disguised themselves as Jews and entered Israel as tourists or new immigrants to avoid attracting attention. One such attempt was made by Egyptian intelligence in the late 1950s.
The Double Agent
Kaburak Yacobyan, an Armenian-Egyptian photographer, was recruited by the Mukhabarat in 1959. To prepare for his mission, he underwent extensive training, including studying Hebrew, Judaism, and the history of Israel. He also underwent circumcision to further his disguise.
The Mission
Yacobyan assumed the identity of Isaac (Zaki) Koshuka, a Jewish refugee from Thessaloniki, Greece. He claimed his mother had passed away in Egypt and presented documents from the Jewish community to support his story.
Arrival in Brazil
Yacobyan traveled to Brazil, where he met an Israeli man who suspected his deception. An encounter with an Orthodox Jew further raised suspicions, as Yacobyan was unfamiliar with Jewish customs.
Operation Brazil
In Brazil, Yacobyan established contact with Egyptian intelligence operatives, including Salem Aziz as-Said, who assisted him with work arrangements. With a secure cover story in place, Yacobyan obtained a visa for Israel.
Arrival in Israel
Yacobyan arrived in Israel in 1961 and sought to join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), specifically the tank corps. He initially aroused suspicion in his Brazilian friend who reported his concerns to Israeli intelligence.
The Cover Blown
Despite his efforts, Yacobyan's deception was uncovered. He was arrested in 1963 and charged with espionage. A search of his apartment revealed hidden messages and spy gear.
Sentence and Release
Yacobyan was sentenced to 18 years in prison, but was released and deported to Egypt in 1966 as part of a prisoner exchange. His mission had been a complete failure, highlighting the challenges of espionage in the Middle East.
