In a sweeping investigation, Israeli police uncovered a large-scale fraud ring operating in Jerusalem, preying on elderly Russian-speaking residents. Four suspects were arrested after allegedly stealing vast sums of money by impersonating police officers or distressed family members
How the scam worked
According to police, the suspects contacted elderly victims by phone, posed as police officers or relatives in trouble, and claimed a loved one had caused an accident. To “close the case,” they demanded large sums of cash, then sent a courier to the victims’ homes to collect the money
During searches conducted in the suspects’ homes and vehicles, officers seized more than half a million shekels in cash, along with weapons including a stun grenade and M16 magazines
“A systematic and organized fraud ring specifically targeted helpless elderly victims, exploiting their vulnerability and scamming them out of large sums,” said Jerusalem District Police. “We urge the public—especially Russian-speaking seniors—to stay alert in cases like these
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Chief Inspector Eli Libkind, head of the Jerusalem Fraud Unit, added
“Beyond the investigation and legal proceedings against these suspects, we want to remind the public—especially elderly Russian speakers—not to give money, credit cards, or sensitive personal information to unknown individuals, even if they call with urgent stories. If anything seems suspicious, report it to the police immediately
