Conman posing as reservist with financial trouble who swindled dozens since start of war arrested

Police last week arrested an Israeli conman who swindled tens of thousands of shekels while posing as an IDF reservist over the past three years.

He is accused of committing fraud in various locations across Israel and was located following an extensive investigation and an over-a-year-long manhunt.

The suspect allegedly approached citizens, introduced himself as a reservist who had lost his wallet and was facing financial hardship. 

He would then persuade them to lend him money before disappearing, police said.

Police identified this as his method of swindling because of the central case being investigated.

Suspect confesses to fraud during questioning

The suspect struck up a relationship with a woman who uses a wheelchair and asked her for a loan of a small amount of money, claiming he had been "called up" for reserve duty.

According to police, he took her credit card to withdraw cash for her from an ATM before withdrawing thousands of shekels without her knowledge, vanishing, and cutting off contact.

After being arrested in a joint operation coordinated across several police stations, the suspect confessed to the crimes attributed to him.

“Israel Police will continue to act resolutely against criminals who exploit the good faith of citizens and harm vulnerable and helpless populations,” police said in its statement. “The police will not relent in their pursuit of these offenders until they are brought to justice."