Israel Police probe alleged catfishing of five women by female suspect

Israel Police arrested a woman in her 20s in Petah Tikva on suspicion of catfishing five women by posing as a man in romantic and sexual relationships over several years. Four victims initiated the investigation on July 26, leading to a fifth victim. Police seized digital devices and sought to extend her detention and publish her name to find more victims.

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a young woman in her 20s from Petah Tikva, suspected of impersonating a man and maintaining romantic and sexual relationships with five different women over several years. The suspect allegedly contacted the women via phone and online communication, convincing them they were interacting with a man. Four of the women contacted the police, leading to an investigation that began on July 26 and uncovered a fifth suspected victim. Police seized digital devices, including laptops, a mobile phone, and storage devices, and planned to request an extension of her detention on Monday, as well as permission to publish her name to locate additional victims. One victim stated, "For months we were in a romantic and personal relationship, until I discovered that it was a woman." The case highlights the emotional and psychological impact of catfishing, where victims are deceived into believing they are in a relationship with someone who does not exist.