Ex-Partner of Tech Mogul Eli Reifman Claims He Left Her Penniless and Addicted

Margarita Alter, the former partner of tech entrepreneur Eli Reifman, has accused him of leaving her destitute and addicted to drugs, while she faces legal proceedings related to a company registered in her name that allegedly defrauded investors of tens of millions of dollars. Speaking in the Central District Court during insolvency proceedings against Altrago, a company registered under her name, Alter claimed Reifman supplied her with drugs and subjected her to a "coercive and dependent relationship."

Altrago's creditors allege the company was used by Reifman for a multi-million dollar fraud. Reifman, once the CEO of Emblaze, a company that pioneered digital video technology in the 1990s and reached a valuation of $8 billion, is reportedly missing. He previously faced debts of 250 million shekels and was convicted of fraud and forgery in 2011, receiving a four-year prison sentence. His court-appointed trustee reported in April 2025 that Reifman had disappeared after traveling to Thailand and failing to return as required, despite an arrest warrant being issued.

Creditors claim Altrago, whose name is a play on Alter's, owes 70 million shekels. They allege the company was involved in acquiring or establishing shell companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange for later mergers, into which investor funds were channeled with promises of at least a 30% return. Investors were reportedly told their funds were held in escrow accounts and would be returned if the shell companies were not sold. The creditors assert Reifman was the mastermind behind Altrago, using Alter's name because he is a bankrupt and barred from directly holding such assets.

Alter described her relationship with Reifman, which began in the mid-2000s, as a "series of traumatic events" that led to her hospitalization for drug and mental health treatment. She stated that upon his disappearance, she was living separately abroad and he left her "penniless." Fearing repercussions from criminal elements Reifman may have associated with, she expressed ongoing fear. Alter, who immigrated to Israel in 1990, served in the military, and holds academic degrees, claims she is being pursued by tax authorities, social security, courts, and private individuals.

Following her return to Israel in early July, Alter pledged full cooperation and requested legal assistance from the court. She acknowledged knowing about the appointment of company trustees but did not contact them due to her "severe distress" and need to "survive." The judge ordered Alter to be questioned by the trustees and suggested she seek free legal aid from the Ministry of Justice.