In a twist that reads like a Hollywood script, a man who spun tales of daring rescues and battlefield heroics has been unmasked as an alleged fraudster and sexual predator. The suspect, known only as A., was arrested Monday morning following a hard-hitting exposé by News 13, sending shockwaves through the communities he had deceived.
A.'s web of lies began to unravel when women started coming forward with strikingly similar stories. Each account painted a picture of a charismatic Romeo in uniform, regaling his dates with heart-wrenching tales of lost comrades and hair-raising missions into Gaza. His persona of choice? A battle-hardened warrior from the Shin Bet's elite "Tequila" unit.
"I was worried sick about his well-being," confessed Ravit Swisa, 35, one of A.'s alleged victims. "I thought this man was fighting for me, protecting our country. He told me he lost five friends on October 7 and cried. He plays the game with chilling accuracy."
But the game, it seems, was all smoke and mirrors. A.'s elaborate charade extended beyond mere words. He reportedly showed up to dates donning security personnel attire, a costume that lent credibility to his fantastical stories of hostage rescues and covert operations.
In text messages obtained by investigators, A.'s commitment to the role is evident. "Hey, good afternoon, I just left the Strip for a few hours," he wrote to one woman, casually dropping mentions of his supposed dangerous missions. "I've been a commander of a special unit in the Prime Minister's Office for 13 years. Tough and very fulfilling," he boasted in another message.
The house of cards came tumbling down when News 13's investigation aired, prompting a flurry of complaints. At least ten women have come forward, their stories forming a damning pattern of deception and alleged sexual misconduct.
Monday's dawn raid on A.'s home in Moshav Yad Natan near Kiryat Gat marked the culmination of a joint effort between News 13 and law enforcement. Police spokesman confirmed that A. is now in custody, facing a litany of charges including sexual assault, fraud, and impersonation.
As A. awaits his day in court, his alleged victims are left to grapple with the betrayal of a man who claimed to protect them, but instead exploited their trust and admiration.
The investigation continues, with authorities urging any other potential victims to come forward. In the meantime, A.'s arrest has pulled back the curtain on a troubling intersection of stolen valor, digital deception, and alleged sexual predation.
* Channel 13 contributed to this article.
