Jerusalem, 10 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Police arrested a 35-year-old Tel Aviv resident Suspected of breaking into a tourist’s apartment, stealing valuables, and then demanding 10,000 shekels ($3,300) to return them.
The investigation began after the tourist, a Brazilian national, reported the burglary. Police say the suspect later contacted her and conditioned the return of her belongings on payment.
Detectives arranged a controlled meeting in Tel Aviv, supposedly to hand over the money. When the suspect arrived, officers arrested him.
A search of his scooter uncovered a luxury watch worth about NIS 40,000 ($13,200) and a knife. Police later searched the apartment where he was staying and found the tourist’s passport, along with additional bags and jewelry worth tens of thousands of shekels.
The suspect was taken for questioning and is expected to appear in court for a detention hearing.