Trustee Seeks Arrest of 'Puskas Star' Asher Ben Oz Over Bankruptcy Violations
Asher Ben Oz, known as the 'Puskas Star,' faces a renewed arrest request from court-appointed trustee Ran Masika amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Masika alleges that Ben Oz has failed to cooperate, not paid any funds to the creditors' pool, and caused significant financial harm by ignoring court orders. The trustee highlights that Ben Oz lives in a luxury penthouse in Ramat Gan, frequents upscale restaurants, and produces a podcast with his son called 'Puskas,' all while allegedly concealing his true financial situation and not contributing to the bankruptcy estate.
The trustee's request notes outstanding debt claims against Ben Oz totaling approximately 14 million shekels, though these claims have not yet been adjudicated. Masika also seeks court approval to summon several of Ben Oz's extended family members for civil questioning, as Ben Oz reportedly receives money from them despite their limited incomes. This new arrest petition follows a previous April ruling by Tel Aviv Magistrate Lior Galbard, who denied an earlier arrest request but imposed strict conditions, including submitting financial reports, providing requested documents, appearing for inquiries, paying at least 10,000 shekels to creditors, and cooperating on a payment plan.
Ben Oz, represented by attorney Asaf Tasiri, has denied wrongdoing, attributing delays to difficult medical and financial circumstances and asserting that he has not hidden assets or wealth. He claims his digital brand 'Puskas' is a tool for future income generation, not a display of wealth, and warns that arrest would destroy his recovery potential. However, the trustee contends that Ben Oz's commitments were insincere and that he has neither paid the 21,000 shekels owed nor submitted any required reports or documents.
The bankruptcy case was initiated by a creditor represented by lawyers Yoav Ben Porat and Yoav Raz. Ben Oz's legal team responded that their client is making efforts to maximize creditor value but faces obstructive pressure from the trustee. They argue Ben Oz does not meet legal criteria for arrest and will present arguments to the court to oppose the trustee's latest request.
