Israeli teenager arrested for allegedly extorting peers through TikTok for 'protection'

In one text message, he wrote to one victim: "Listen, today you only brought 700. Tomorrow bring me another 250 shekels, and we'll settle this, and if anyone bothers you, call me."

A 14-year-old from central Israel is suspected of extorting two peers through threats, demanding money and clothing items in exchange for "protection," police stated on Sunday.

According to the allegations, he contacted the other children via TikTok and threatened physical harm if they did not give him what he wanted.

Police received several complaints regarding the minor earlier this month, and an investigation by the Youth Division at the Tel Aviv South police station revealed that two minors had paid him portions of the requested amounts on several occasions; however, the suspect allegedly continued to demand further payments.

In one text message, he wrote to a victim: "Listen, today you only brought 700. Tomorrow bring me another 250 shekels, and we'll settle this, and if anyone bothers you, call me."

In another message, he wrote: "You don't give the money to anyone else; you only give it to me."

Money, clothes, and 'protection'

According to the indictment, the demands were not limited to cash. The message exchanges also included demands for items of clothing.

"Just bring it tomorrow - I'll give you the shirt, you bring 260 shekels, and that's it. And if anyone bothers you, call me," read one message. Later, the suspect allegedly wrote: "I'll give you the shirt back; we don't like it."

The messages were discovered after the parents of one of the minors noticed the messages on their son's phone. After reading the texts, they took him to the police station to file a complaint. During the investigation, detectives identified a second minor who was allegedly extorted in a similar manner.

On August 19, the 14-year-old was arrested and taken in for questioning. His remand was extended periodically by the Tel Aviv Juvenile Magistrate's Court.

Today, the Youth Prosecutions Unit of the Tel Aviv District filed a prosecutor's statement against the suspect, and an indictment is expected to be submitted against him in the coming days.