Ex-Cyber Firm CEO Itay Levi Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Abuse of Children

The Central District Court in Lod sentenced Itay Levi, a 52-year-old father of three from Modi'in and former CEO of the cyber company Carnelius, to 10 years in prison for sexual offenses and privacy violations against minors aged 4 to 12. In addition to the prison term, Levi received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay maximum compensation of 258,000 shekels to the victims. Levi was arrested in April last year, a week before the indictment was filed, on suspicion of sexually abusing five children and recording himself committing acts of sodomy on them. Investigators identified the victims after finding evidence on Levi's phone showing he had filmed the children he abused. They then contacted the children's parents, leading to Levi's arrest.

According to the amended indictment, over approximately a year and a half, Levi repeatedly filmed videos and photos of children aged 4 to 12, naked or partially naked without their knowledge. He transferred these images to his phone, viewed them, and later deleted them. On two occasions, Levi exposed a child's genitals, watched the child masturbate, and in one case, achieved sexual gratification. The indictment also states that on two separate occasions, Levi forced two children to perform oral sex, using various excuses to justify his actions.

Judges Hadas Rosenberg Sheinert, Amit Michals, and Eliana Danieli described Levi's crimes as "disgusting and repulsive," emphasizing the severe harm caused to both the children and their parents, who expressed their pain and trauma in court. The court highlighted the gravity of sexual offenses against minors and the need for harsh punishment for deterrence and retribution. The sentence reflected a plea agreement, which was supported by all the victims' parents and took into account Levi's admission, lack of prior convictions, and spared the families from lengthy testimony. The court expressed hope that the families would find some peace and strength to rebuild their lives and secure their children's futures.