Police report a con artist who presented himself as a diamond merchant and defrauded a Beit Shemesh resident out of tens of thousands of shekels is in custody.

Police received a complaint from a chareidi Beit Shemesh resident who claimed a person with whom he is not familiar presented himself as a wealthy diamond dealer seeking and investor to make a major acquisition. The suspect told the victim he would require a second payment as well to complete the transaction. The suspect persuaded the complainant to give him the money in cash, offering him a handsome profit when payoff time arrives. After receiving the cash the suspect fled.

Detectives acted quickly after receiving the complaint and the suspect was persuaded to meet with an undercover officer, leading to his arrest.

The suspect is described as a southern resident, a male in his forties who has a criminal record for similar activities. An indictment against him will likely be filed in the immediate future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)