14-Year-Old Boy Charged with Extorting Peers for Money and Clothes in South Tel Aviv

A 14-year-old boy from southern Tel Aviv is set to face charges for allegedly extorting money and clothing from two other minors in exchange for "protection." Earlier this month, police received multiple complaints from teenagers who said the suspect contacted them via TikTok, demanding payments to ensure their safety. The boy reportedly threatened physical harm if they refused to pay.

Police released screenshots of the suspect's messages, showing him demanding 700 shekels initially and an additional 250 shekels later, along with clothing returns. In one message, he told a victim, "If someone bothers you, call me." Despite some victims paying, the suspect continued to threaten and demand more money. The situation escalated when one victim's parents discovered the messages and filed a police complaint.

Youth investigators at the South Tel Aviv police station arrested the suspect and identified two victims. Prosecutors have submitted a pre-indictment statement, and formal charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.