Israel Police probe alleged catfishing of five women by female suspect

According to Israel Police, a woman in her 20s was arrested on Sunday, accused of impersonating a male and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships with five women from her Petah Tikva apartment. Police seized digital devices, including laptops, a mobile phone, and storage devices, and plan to extend her detention while requesting permission to publish her name to locate more potential victims.

The investigation began on July 26 after four of the women contacted the police, leading authorities to identify an additional suspected victim. The suspect allegedly communicated with the five women via phone and online over several years, convincing them they were conversing with a man until they discovered the truth. Each woman had been in a relationship with the suspect for an extended period during a different time, believing they were interacting with a male persona.