Ola Kravchenko Responds to Reopening of Tair Rada Murder Investigation

The Israeli police reopened the investigation into the 2006 murder of Tair Rada, transferring the case from the Northern District to the Tel Aviv District following new information. Ola Kravchenko, whose name was linked to the case for years but was cleared of suspicion in July 2021, issued a public statement on Facebook acknowledging the development. She emphasized that her case was closed due to lack of evidence and innocence, and said she would cooperate fully if summoned for further questioning.

In a video message, Kravchenko expressed hope that the new investigation would lead to the real perpetrator and bring peace to Rada's family after years of uncertainty. She also accused her ex-partner of fabricating false allegations against her, noting he is a defendant in a defamation lawsuit she filed. Her lawyers reiterated that the 2021 decision to close her case was definitive and described the accusations against her as a "horrific blood libel."

The reopening follows a 2023 request by Ilana Rada, Tair’s mother, who claimed there were unexplored investigative leads. Roman Zadorov, previously convicted and later acquitted of the murder in March 2023 after serving 17 years, was mentioned in social media rumors about going into hiding, which were debunked. Zadorov has since reached a compensation agreement with the state.

Attorney Yerom Halevi, who represented Zadorov and is now sued by Kravchenko for defamation, welcomed the renewed investigation and pointed to a single serious suspect, identified as A.K., whom he believes should be thoroughly investigated. The police hope the new inquiry will finally resolve lingering questions in one of Israel’s most high-profile criminal cases.