Kidnapping Suspect Wiped Phone After Asking to Use Child's Device

New details have emerged in the investigation of the kidnapping of 10-year-old Yahli Sofer from Petah Tikva. The suspect, a 20-year-old Jerusalem resident, reportedly took sophisticated steps to cover his tracks before leaving the playground with the child. According to a report by I24NEWS, the suspect approached a group of children, asked to use one of their mobile phones for an urgent call, and then immediately deleted the number he had called from the device's call log, likely to prevent investigators from identifying his contacts.

Investigators also revealed that the suspect is not unknown to law enforcement. He was indicted in March for mobile phone theft, adding to concerns about his behavior. The incident began when Yahli, who attends a special education class, disappeared from a playground in Petah Tikva. A large police search ensued, leading to the child's discovery in Bnei Brak and the suspect's arrest.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted to taking Yahli and traveling with him through several cities, claiming he used the child to solicit donations. Yahli's mother stated the suspect presented her son as his own to collect money. The suspect, who had not previously known Yahli, exploited the child's innocence and a prior lack of a mobile phone, reportedly telling him he had been kicked out of his home and was hungry.

A judge at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court extended the suspect's detention until Thursday. A police representative described the case as extremely serious, detailing how the suspect approached Yahli and his friends, coaxing the 10-year-old to accompany him on a scooter to Bnei Brak after other children fled. The judge extended his detention by four days and imposed a gag order on the suspect's identity. Police are continuing their intensive investigation to gather evidence for prosecution.