Four suspects in an arson and extortion investigation had their remand extended on October 29 until November 4. The case involves apartment fires on Ben Yehuda and HaYarkon streets in central Tel Aviv, a building lobby fire in Holon and allegations that men were extorted through Telegram.
Police suspect the arsons stemmed from a dispute between criminals and targeted a 41-year-old Tel Aviv resident. The Tel Aviv District’s Central Unit and the South Tel Aviv police station are investigating.
Two arson suspects, a 43-year-old Hadera resident and a Rehovot man in his 20s, were arrested on October 12. A 24-year-old Ashdod resident was later arrested on suspicion of directing them to carry out the arsons. A fourth suspect, a Tel Aviv man in his 30s, was arrested on October 29.
The four allegedly contacted men on Telegram and invited them to apartments for what were presented as intimate meetings with an underage girl. When the men arrived, the suspects allegedly beat them severely, threatened them and demanded hundreds of thousands of shekels.
All four appeared at the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on October 29, when their remand was extended. The investigation is ongoing.
