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However, all espionage activities carry risks, and for Cohen, the stakes rose dramatically when he was ultimately captured. On January 24, 1965, Syrian intelligence intercepted his transmissions. In a desperate bid to salvage his cover, Cohen relayed false information, further indicating that his time as a spy was over.
The repercussions were swift and severe. Eli Cohen was subjected to a sham trial and in May 1965 sentenced to death for espionage. His fate was sealed as public sentiment in Syria turned hostile, believing their government had been betrayed by the man they had naively trusted.