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

Police in central Israel have arrested a 14-year-old boy suspected of extorting two younger peers through threats on TikTok. The minor allegedly demanded money and clothing in exchange for "protection," according to police statements.

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Listen, today you only brought 700. Tomorrow bring me another 250 shekels, and we'll settle this, and if anyone bothers you, call me.

Investigators revealed that the suspect contacted the victims via the social media platform, threatening physical harm if his demands were not met. While two minors made partial payments on several occasions, the suspect allegedly continued to demand more. Messages recovered from one victim's phone show the suspect demanding 700 shekels one day and an additional 250 shekels the next, promising to "settle this" and offering help if anyone bothered the victim.

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You don't give the money to anyone else; you only give it to me.

Demands extended beyond cash, with one message indicating the suspect wanted a shirt and 260 shekels, stating, "And if anyone bothers you, call me." The scheme unraveled when parents discovered the threatening messages on their son's phone and filed a complaint. The suspect was arrested on August 19, and his remand has been extended. A prosecutor's statement has been filed, with an indictment anticipated soon.

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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.