Accused of Raping Children and Inciting Them to Harm Each Other: Serious Charges Against Young Man from Eilat

In depth

The Prosecution filed an indictment against an 18-year-old from Eilat, following an investigation that lasted 20 days. According to Ynet, the indictment includes rape and sexual assault of minors, and the suspicion is that the young man sexually assaulted 13 children and teenagers, including 7-year-olds. According to Israel Hayom, the investigation was conducted in cooperation with welfare authorities and child investigators.

The investigation began with a complaint by a mother that the suspect blackmailed her 13.5-year-old son and forced him to take part in sexual acts, according to Israel Hayom. The suspect was arrested at the beginning of the month, initially denied the allegations, and later confessed to the acts, carried out three filmed reenactments, and led investigators to the scenes. Another teenager was questioned and confessed to involvement in the blackmailing of the minor, according to Israel Hayom.

According to Ynet, the young man met children in a park, in a shelter, or in homes, and in one case caused a minor to rape his friend. According to Channel 14, the defendant was himself a minor at the time of the acts, and exploited social gatherings and lured victims through social networks.