Cyber Company CEO Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Sexual Abuse in Tel Aviv

The Central District Court in Lod sentenced Itay Levi to ten years in prison on Wednesday after he admitted to sexually abusing and violating the privacy of children aged 4 to 12. Levi, CEO of a cybersecurity company, was convicted following a plea agreement and ordered to pay maximum compensation of 258,000 shekels to the victims. The offenses occurred over approximately a year and a half, during which Levi secretly filmed children partially or fully naked and committed indecent acts against some of them.

The court described Levi's crimes as repugnant and deeply damaging to both the children and their families, who expressed their pain during the sentencing. The judge emphasized the severity of sexual offenses against minors and the need for harsh punishment to serve both retribution and deterrence. However, the plea deal was accepted due to Levi's admission of guilt, lack of prior convictions, and the agreement of all victims' parents, which also spared the children and their families from testifying and reliving trauma.

Following the verdict, Iris Picker Segal, a prosecutor from the Central District Attorney's Office, highlighted the prolonged and cynical exploitation of defenseless young children by Levi. She noted the profound harm caused to the children’s physical and mental well-being and the breach of trust felt by parents. The significant financial compensation and the substantial prison sentence were intended to acknowledge the victims' suffering and send a firm deterrent message to sexual offenders.

The court also addressed the victims' families, expressing hope that the conclusion of the criminal proceedings would bring some peace and allow them to focus on rebuilding their lives and securing their children's futures.