Nazareth Sex Offender Indicted for Extortion Using Fake Nude Photos

A 34-year-old resident of Nazareth, a convicted sex offender who was under a supervision order, has been indicted for allegedly creating a fake nude image of a woman from the Arab community using a computer and attempting to extort 50,000 shekels from her under threat of distributing it on social media. The prosecution filed the indictment against him in the Nazareth Magistrate's Court on charges of blackmail and extortion, invasion of privacy, and violation of a supervision order.

Police Investigation and Operation

According to police, on September 15, the woman, a resident of the valleys region, arrived at the police station and reported that an unknown individual contacted her via WhatsApp, sent her a manipulated image depicting her allegedly nude, and threatened to distribute it online unless she handed over 50,000 shekels.

"She was upset, emotional, and terrified. He threatened to ruin her life, she burst into tears, and I felt she was in great distress," said Staff Sergeant Sham Badwi, who investigated the case. "She genuinely feared for her life, and I immediately understood that if, God forbid, he were to distribute the pictures, it could cause her severe personal and familial harm."

Under investigators' guidance, the complainant continued corresponding with the defendant in the presence of the investigator, leading him to believe she intended to hand over the money. Later that day, a meeting was arranged while police forces deployed in the area to arrest him. Staff Sergeant Badwi noted that the defendant changed the meeting location at the last minute near the settlement of Shomrat in the Jezreel Valley. When the woman arrived and stayed in her car, the suspect parked nearby. Before she could transfer the money, detectives rushed the suspect, who attempted to flee before being apprehended.

Indictment and Defense Response

The investigation revealed that the suspect is a well-known sex offender who previously served prison time for sexual offenses and was bound by a supervision order prohibiting him from being alone in a vehicle or possessing a cell phone. The indictment was filed by Adv. Tehiya Branes, Deputy District Attorney for the Northern District.

Adv. Alaa Othman, representing the defendant on behalf of the Public Defender's Office, stated in response: "The defendant denies all charges in the indictment. The indictment has just been filed and we have not yet received the evidence. He is a married man who behaves normally. We will demand his release to an alternative detention facility, as his family wants him to return home."