Israeli Man Arrested for Sexually Harassing Over 10 Girls on WhatsApp Posing as Teen
A 46-year-old man from Nesher was arrested on Wednesday morning for allegedly infiltrating a WhatsApp group of young girls and sexually harassing more than 10 minors aged 8 to 11. The suspect posed as a 15-year-old boy and engaged in explicit conversations, exchanging intimate photos and videos with some of the girls. The investigation began after a mother discovered inappropriate messages on her 10-year-old daughter's phone. Cybercrime detectives from the Northern District launched a complex technological probe, revealing that the man had accessed a seemingly innocent WhatsApp group centered around the popular "Squishy" toy trend, which included dozens of young girls.
According to the head of the Northern District's Online Crime Unit, Chief Inspector Rachel Benjamin, the suspect acted systematically, fully aware of the girls' young ages. She urged parents and educators to remain vigilant, especially during the summer months when children are often unsupervised online. Benjamin emphasized the importance of discussing online safety with children and encouraging them to report any sexual advances from strangers. The case highlights ongoing risks of online predators exploiting children's innocence for their own gratification.
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