Reservist Arrested After Thousands of Child Abuse Images Found on Phone

Israeli police have arrested a 30-year-old military reservist from the Sharon region on suspicion of possessing over 3,000 images of child pornography. The discovery was made by military police investigators (MPU) during a separate investigation into the reservist concerning alleged privacy violations and indecent acts against female soldiers within the IDF. Following the findings on his phone, the case was transferred to civilian police, who opened a new investigation and took the suspect into custody in Hadera.

During questioning, the reservist denied the allegations, claiming the images were received through various Telegram groups. Initially, the MPU investigation focused on offenses related to his military service. However, the discovery of the extensive child abuse material led to his arrest by civilian police on charges extending beyond his military role.

The reservist was released under restrictive conditions, including full house arrest, in the MPU case. However, a court ordered his detention extended in connection with the civilian police investigation into the possession of child abuse material.

A spokesperson for the IDF confirmed the MPU investigation into alleged offenses against female soldiers and the subsequent transfer of information to civilian police regarding potential offenses against civilians. The reservist was released under restrictive conditions in the military police case.