Michal Weizman Testifies in Trial of Former Manager Over Credit Card Fraud
Israeli entertainer Michal Weizman testified against her former manager Sagi Schechter, accused of embezzling one million shekels using her credit card over six years.
Famous Israeli children's entertainer Michal Weizman, widely known as "Michal HaKetana" (Little Michal), testified on Sunday at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court in the trial of her former personal manager, Sagi Schechter. According to the indictment, Schechter spent years using a credit card entrusted to him for work purposes to conduct thousands of personal transactions, totaling an estimated one million shekels.
The Discovery of Fraud
The indictment states that the illicit card usage began in January 2018 and continued through April 2024. Schechter is accused of using the card both physically and for online purchases, carrying out transactions for his own needs rather than his managerial duties. Testifying in court, Weizman explained that suspicions arose after her ex-husband, Nir Weizman, received an inquiry regarding a transaction approval at a garage in Raanana. When asked if the transaction belonged to her, she confirmed she had no connection to Raanana, prompting the couple to investigate the card's activity with the credit card company.
"Sagi used it gradually, which is why we didn't notice it at first," Weizman testified, adding that payments included municipal property taxes (arnona), fuel, and taxi rides.
Nir Weizman also took the stand, describing how the family registered for SMS transaction alerts in 2024. Numerous unfamiliar charges quickly followed, including those from Raanana, where Schechter resides. Following the internal investigation, a formal complaint was filed with the Israel Police.
Defense Arguments and Trial
Meanwhile, the defense contests the financial scope outlined in the indictment. Attorney Asaf Dok, representing Schechter, stated during the hearing that his client admits to personal use of the card but claims the actual sum is significantly lower, estimating it at no more than 200,000 to 250,000 shekels.
Reflecting on their prior relationship, Weizman noted that Schechter had served as her personal manager for years and was deeply trusted. "Sagi was part of our household, he was like family," she said, noting that all ties were severed immediately upon discovering the misuse. Schechter, 55, from Raanana, faces multiple charges of aggravated fraud.
