Bat Yam couple arrested for allegedly posing as insurance representatives, defrauding at least 75

An undercover investigation has led to the arrest of a couple from Bat Yam, Periel Ben-David and Sahar Shmuel Abutbul, suspected of defrauding at least 75 individuals by posing as insurance representatives. Police allege the couple targeted victims, primarily Arabs, by providing personal information and claiming insurance companies were holding money owed to them. They offered to help retrieve these funds in exchange for a fee, which ranged from NIS 2,000 to NIS 5,000, and in some cases up to NIS 10,000.

The alleged scheme involved convincing victims to provide ATM withdrawal codes without a card. Police suspect these codes were then used to withdraw the money, after which the couple would cut off contact. During a search of the suspects' property, authorities seized 10 mobile phones, which they believe may contain information leading to the identification of additional victims. Ben-David faces multiple charges, including aggravated fraud, impersonation, conspiracy, and privacy invasion.

During questioning, Ben-David exercised her right to remain silent, while Abutbul denied the allegations. Ben-David's attorney raised concerns about police conduct during her arrest, alleging officers suggested leniency in exchange for cooperation and referenced the couple's baby, who had recently undergone surgery. The defense requested house arrest for Ben-David, citing the baby's condition and arguing she was not directly involved in the ATM withdrawals.

Despite the defense's arguments, police requested an extension of Ben-David's detention by nine days, citing reasonable suspicion. The court extended her detention, while the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify any further victims.