14-Year-Old in Central Israel Arrested for Extorting Peers for Money and Clothes

A 14-year-old boy from central Israel is suspected of extorting money and clothing from two peers in exchange for "protection," police announced on Sunday. The suspect allegedly contacted the minors via TikTok, threatening physical harm if they did not comply with his demands. Several complaints were filed against him earlier this month.

Investigations by the Tel Aviv South Youth Department revealed that the victims paid part of the sums requested on multiple occasions, but the suspect continued to demand additional payments. In one message, he wrote to a victim, "Today you brought only 700 shekels. Tomorrow bring me another 250 shekels and we'll close the matter. If anyone bothers you, call me." Another message stated, "You don't bring the money to anyone else, only to me."

The extortion also involved demands for clothing items. In one exchange, the suspect said, "Just bring it tomorrow, I'll give you the shirt, you bring 260 shekels and that's it. If anyone bothers you, call me." He later added, "I'll return the shirt, we don't like it." The case came to light after the parents of one victim discovered the messages on their child's phone and filed a police complaint. During the investigation, police identified a second victim who was extorted similarly.

The suspect was arrested on August 19 and has been held under extended detention by the Tel Aviv Juvenile Court. The Tel Aviv District Youth Prosecution filed an indictment declaration against him on Sunday, with formal charges expected to be submitted in the coming days.