It is suspected that the three men contacted teenagers aged 13-18 online and also met with them physically and received sex services for a fee, although they were aware of their age
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As part of efforts by the Israel Police to protect minors from exploitation and vulnerability, both in the network and in the physical space, three 105 suspects were arrested by Unit 105 in Blade 433 on suspicion of committing an offense of consuming minor prostitution services for payment and pleasure.
The suspects allegedly contacted minors ages 13-18, who posted themselves through a dedicated dating app for sexual encounters in exchange for a cash payment. During the conversation, the parties agreed to have a personal meeting that is not in the online space, after agreement on the level of payment. It is also suspected that in some cases there was an apparent awareness of the suspects of the minors' age and despite this, they continued to correspond with and meet with them at different places and on different occasions.
Launch of National Headquarters for Child Protection on the Net // Photo: PM
The investigation is conducted in Unit 105 of Blade 433, accompanied by the Cyber Department of the State Attorney's Office, and in coordination with the welfare agencies. The suspects' arrest was extended from time to time, with one being released under restrictive conditions and the other two still in custody. In the coming days, the only investigator expected to complete the investigation will then forward the material to the Cyber Department in the prosecutor's office for further criminal proceedings.
Unit 105 works to protect children and youth on the Internet. The unit has, among other things, Hotline 105 - the National Hotline for the Protection of Children and Youth on the Net. HaMoked combines governmental activities to combat police violence, along with representatives of government ministries: the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Affairs. The hotline provides holistic service to the public in the unit's business.
Under Unit 105, the Investigative and Intelligence Party operate advanced technological tools to detect and enforce offenders who commit offenses against minors on the Internet.
Police say: "The Israeli police will continue to fight resolutely the serious phenomenon of sexual abuse of minors on the Internet and use all means at its disposal to prosecute offenders who violate the bodies and privacy of minors and in general, calling on the public to contact the Internet 105 center for reporting crimes against minors."