In Jerusalem’s fragile balance between order and chaos, a troubling pattern is beginning to take shape: vehicle thefts followed by extortion schemes, where victims are asked to pay to retrieve their own property. What starts as a crime often turns into a calculated business
Police launched an investigation after a resident of the city reported his motorcycle stolen. Just one day later, he received a call from an unknown number. On the line was a man with an Arabic accent who offered him a deal: pay 15,000 shekels, and the bike would be returned. The victim was stunned
The Setup and the Sting
Detectives from Jerusalem’s Moriah station devised a plan. Pretending to be the owner, they arranged a meeting with the suspect near the Hizma checkpoint—a well-known crossing point between East Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. Officers and border police positioned themselves for the ambush
Seconds after the contact was made, the suspect was apprehended following a violent struggle. He was handcuffed and taken into custody
The man, in his twenties, is an undocumented Palestinian resident of Al-Bireh. Police found the stolen motorcycle in his possession, hidden and ready for resale
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It’s Already a Pattern
Police believe the incident is not isolated and are investigating whether the suspect is tied to similar scams reported in recent weeks—some of which never reached official channels
In the streets of Jerusalem, concern is spreading
"This isn't just theft—it's extortion in disguise," says Amir (a pseudonym), a resident of Kiryat Yovel whose son went through a similar ordeal when his scooter disappeared. "They don’t just break windows and steal. They take your vehicle, then call you politely like they’re doing you a favor. Suddenly, the victim becomes the customer. It’s a double scam
According to him, this feels systematic: "This doesn't seem random. It's already a pattern. I’ve heard of three similar cases. The suspect this time even asked for a ridiculous amount—15,000 shekels. He tried to extort thousands of shekels just to return the bike. That says it all. They know you’ll pay just to get your peace of mind back
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Another resident from Malha added: "If the police don’t stop this now, soon every theft will become a business deal. It’s not just crime—it’s an attempt to control our lives right here in Jerusalem
The suspect’s detention was extended by four days, and police say formal charges are expected. The motorcycle was returned to its owner after forensic examination
