Israeli Woman Arrested for Impersonating Man in Romantic Online Scams with Multiple Women

In Petah Tikva, a woman in her twenties was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a man to engage in romantic and sexual relationships with at least five women, primarily through phone and online communications. The investigation began on July 26, 2025, after four women reported similar experiences to the police, believing they were involved with a man. During the inquiry, authorities identified a fifth victim who had been deceived in the same manner.

The suspect was detained at her apartment in Petah Tikva, where police seized laptops, a mobile phone, and several digital storage devices for further examination. The police plan to request an extension of her detention and permission to publish her name to encourage other potential victims to come forward. One complainant stated, "We were in a romantic and personal relationship for months until I discovered it was a woman."

The police have urged the public to exercise caution when forming relationships online and emphasized their commitment to uncovering crimes involving online impersonation and deception. The suspect is expected to appear in court tomorrow for a detention extension hearing.