Airsoft was a rising tech company. Until an Israeli-international investigation exposed its copycat frauds
An international investigation reveals the story of Airsoft, an Israeli technology company that provided infrastructure for investment fraud websites totaling nearly a billion euros. Behind the company stood Roni Hagege, a fugitive criminal from France who changed his name to Jeremy Atlan. The investigation, led by "Shomrim" and nine media outlets, is based on testimonies from former employees, victims, and documents, and points to enforcement difficulties against a cross-continental criminal network.
A broad international investigation, led by "Shomrim" and in collaboration with nine media outlets in Europe and Canada, reveals the story of Airsoft. The company, which appeared to be an Israeli tech success story, provided a full technological infrastructure for online investment fraud websites, primarily in forex and binary options. Behind the company stood Roni Hagege, a fugitive criminal from France who immigrated to Israel, changed his name to Jeremy Atlan, and allegedly led a fraud network totaling nearly a billion euros. The investigation, which lasted six months, is based on testimonies from former employees and victims, investigative materials from Israel and Europe, and thousands of documents collected by "Der Spiegel." It describes a sophisticated modus operandi: call centers in Eastern Europe contacted citizens in Europe and North America, convinced them to invest, reported small profits initially, and ultimately prevented fund withdrawals. The investigation points to significant enforcement difficulties: Hagege was arrested in Israel in the "Cup Final" affair but released without an indictment, and other cases were closed. He became a central figure in the football club Adumim Ashdod and survived an assassination attempt in 2022.