Israeli Man Poses as Teen to Exploit Girls in WhatsApp Groups, Faces Multiple Charges

A 46-year-old warehouse worker from Nesher is under investigation for impersonating a 15-year-old boy to infiltrate WhatsApp groups of girls aged 8 to 11. He allegedly persuaded the girls to send him nude photos, which he then distributed. The suspect faces charges including indecent acts with minors, possession of obscene materials, sexual harassment, and aggravated indecent acts involving a girl under 14.

The case emerged after a father from northern Israel discovered sexually explicit messages on his 9-year-old daughter's phone, prompting a police complaint. Northern District cybercrime investigators conducted a covert probe, identifying the suspect and linking him to eight victimized girls. Authorities estimate that hundreds of girls may have been targeted.

The suspect's method involved joining WhatsApp groups centered on "Squishy" toys by posing as a teenage boy. He initially contacted a 9-year-old girl via TikTok, who then added him to a group with dozens of girls nationwide. Police located 70 girls in the group, notified their parents, and found that while many blocked him, at least nine were victimized, including one 9-year-old allegedly raped by the suspect.

Investigators seized the suspect's phone, revealing his membership in at least one other girls' group. The girls sent him nude photos and videos with faces visible, while he sent back images of himself nude but with his face concealed. This abuse reportedly continued for at least three months, with similar complaints filed against him over the past two years that have yet to result in indictments.

Police urged parents to monitor their children's phones closely, know their passcodes, and discuss online dangers, emphasizing that virtual threats can be more perilous than those in public spaces. There is also suspicion the suspect attempted to meet some girls in person. The police have requested to extend his detention at the Tiberias Magistrate's Court.