Israeli Police Detain Three Suspected of Exploiting Deaf Romanian Migrants for Begging

The National Economic Enforcement Unit (Sa'ar) of Lahav 433 has detained three suspects, including a couple from northern Israel and another individual from the center, on suspicion of fraud, extortion, and systematic exploitation of deaf Romanian citizens. The suspects allegedly brought these victims to Israel between 2022 and 2023 under false promises of attractive employment.

Investigations revealed that the suspects contacted victims via social media, luring them with job offers. Upon arrival in Israel, the victims had their passports confiscated and were housed in poor living conditions. Against their will and under repeated threats, they were forced to beg, with the collected money handed over to the suspects.

Furthermore, family members of the victims in Romania were reportedly coerced into paying the suspects to retrieve the passports, enabling the victims to return home. The Israeli police emphasized their commitment to combating exploitation of vulnerable populations, including cooperation with international enforcement agencies.