Teens asked ChatGPT about arson punishment before setting fire to Givatayim Japanika restaurant

Two teenagers, Hanan Yaakov and Osher Bayach, both 18 and from Rehovot, have been indicted for allegedly setting fire to a Japanika restaurant in Givatayim. Shockingly, the indictment reveals the pair used ChatGPT to research the potential punishment for arson before committing the crime.

According to the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, Yaakov and Bayach conspired on the night of July 11-12 to carry out the arson. The indictment outlines their alleged actions, starting with their departure from Rehovot and travel to Bnei Brak, where they reportedly acquired an electric scooter, three bottles containing approximately 4.5 liters of flammable liquid, gloves, a face mask, and an ignition source.

The two then allegedly traveled on the scooter towards Givatayim. Dressed in black hoodies and carrying the flammable liquid, they arrived near the restaurant around 4:17 a.m. The indictment claims Yaakov put on gloves and a mask to conceal his identity while Bayach waited on the scooter. Yaakov then allegedly approached the restaurant, poured the flammable liquid over the doors, windows, entranceway, planters, and vegetation, and ignited it.

The fire spread rapidly, damaging the restaurant's exterior, including doors, windows, planters, and a shade structure. An employee was reportedly inside the restaurant at the time. The two teens fled the scene together on the scooter. While no one was injured, the restaurant suffered damages estimated at NIS 13,500. Both face charges of aggravated arson.

Investigators reportedly linked the suspects to the crime through a series of evidence, including security camera footage documenting their movements from Rehovot to the scene and their escape.