Disgraced Lev Tahor Cult Leader Extradited to Israel in Shadow of War 

In a complex operation conducted by Jerusalem District Police, a senior member of the "Lev Tahor" cult, who fled Israel in 2020 after being indicted for serious offenses involving the abuse of minors, was extradited to Israel last night. This evening, the suspect was brought to court for a hearing.

In a coordinated effort involving the Jerusalem District’s Fraud Unit, the International Operations Coordination Department at Police Headquarters, and Israel Police representatives abroad, in collaboration with authorities in El Salvador, where the suspect was arrested after attempting to flee from Guatemala, a senior member of the "Lev Tahor" cult landed in Israel last night. The operation took place amidst the ongoing war with Iran and threats of missile attacks on Israel.

Following a precedent-setting extradition process approved by a court in El Salvador, investigation teams from the Jerusalem Fraud Unit embarked on a complex, over 30-hour journey to bring the suspect to Israel, with the assistance of Interpol and several international police forces.

Upon his arrival in Israel last night, the suspect was taken for questioning at the Jerusalem District’s Central Unit offices. This evening, after the Sabbath, he was brought before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court for a hearing on the police’s request to extend his detention. Subsequently, an amended indictment is expected to be filed against him by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office.

The "Lev Tahor" case, investigated for years by the Jerusalem Fraud Unit, involves the cult’s activities and severe harm to defenseless minors, recently officially classified as victims of human trafficking.

In 2020, the suspect, one of the cult’s leaders, was arrested in Israel. At that time, upon his arrival, he was indicted by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office but was later released to house arrest by the court and shortly thereafter fled the country.

In recent years, representatives of the Jerusalem Fraud Unit traveled to Guatemala to strengthen cooperation with local authorities. A raid by Guatemalan security forces on the cult’s compound resulted in the rescue of dozens of victims.

Recently, a significant breakthrough was achieved when the suspect was arrested in El Salvador, where he had fled after another escape attempt from Guatemala. The International Department of the State Attorney’s Office submitted an official extradition request, and in a precedent-setting decision, the El Salvador court approved his extradition to Israel.

The Israel Police will continue to act resolutely, in collaboration with law enforcement and welfare agencies in Israel and worldwide, to bring those involved in this serious case to justice and to assist victims wherever and whenever they may be.