Israeli Couple Arrested for Insurance Scam Targeting 75 Victims, Police Seize Evidence

A covert investigation that lasted several months culminated on Sunday with the arrest of a couple from Bat Yam, Israel, suspected of defrauding at least 75 victims. The suspects, 34-year-old Ferial Ben David and Sahar Shmuel Abutbul, allegedly impersonated insurance company representatives to deceive mostly Arab community members. They contacted victims, obtained personal information, and claimed that funds were waiting for them at the insurance company. The couple then demanded fees ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 shekels to facilitate the withdrawal of these supposed funds.

Victims were asked to provide codes enabling cash withdrawals from ATMs without cards, which the suspects allegedly used to steal money before cutting off contact. Police seized ten mobile phones during the arrest, which they believe could reveal additional victims beyond the 75 already identified. Ben David faces charges including aggravated fraud, impersonation, conspiracy, privacy violations, and unauthorized processing of personal data, as well as suspicion of drug possession. Abutbul denies the allegations.

During the court hearing, Ben David’s lawyer claimed police pressured her to cooperate by referencing her infant child’s recent surgery. He requested her release to house arrest due to the child’s condition and argued she was not the one physically withdrawing money. The police opposed release, citing risk of evidence tampering. The court extended both suspects’ detention until August 12. Authorities continue to analyze the seized evidence and search for further victims. Ben David’s defense plans to appeal for her release at the district court in Lod.