The court has extended the detention of a Mexican resident, a chareidi man who also lives in Yerushalayim on suspicion that he defrauded millions of shekels from over 15 victims during a two-year period.

Police became involved after receiving a complaint from a person who was in contact with the suspect, presenting himself as a businessman from Mexico, and engaged in the transfer of money to Jews in Israel. The sales included various items between Mexico and the United States, and the export of ‘mitpachot’ (women’s hair coverings) to Mexico for Jews living there along with other ventures, promising the contact a handsome return if he invested in his businesses.

The victim invested, as did members of his family, but after a period of time, he realized that he had been misled.

During the course of the investigation police found additional victims, one of whom opened a Jerusalem bakery with the suspect, and whose bank accounts served the suspect to receive funds without that victim’s knowledge.

As part of the investigation, 15 victims have been located to date, all extorted by the victim, amounting to millions of shekels.

The suspect was taken into custody on July 22, 2019, a man in his 30s, and he has been arraigned and his detention extended.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)