Jpost
Yechiel Yehoshua Farkas, a former Bnei Brak principal wanted in Israel for sex crimes against children, was arrested in the United States on April 16 by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and members of the US Marshals Service.
Farkas, 43, fled Israel about a year and a half ago after a warrant was put out for his arrest. He is charged with multiple counts of attempted rape and indecent acts involving children in Israel between 2020 and 2023.
‘He was an educational figure and exploited his position to commit sexual offenses,’ a police source told N12 News. ‘The children and their parents trusted him, and he grossly violated it.’
Israel requested a provisional arrest with a view towards extradition for Farkas from the US. He was taken into custody from his home in Lakewood, New Jersey.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest on its X/Twitter on Thursday, posting a photo of two agents alongside the handcuffed Farkas.
Farkas to remain in federal custody
‘ICE HSI Atlantic City will coordinate with ICE HSI Newark Victim Assistance Program to conduct any additional interviews and identify other possible victims related to the case,’ ICE wrote in its post.
Farkas appeared before the Clarkson S. Fisher US Federal Courthouse in Trenton on April 21, where it was ruled that he would remain in federal custody.
‘This arrest reflects the strength of international cooperation in pursuing individuals accused of serious crimes, especially those involving the exploitation of minors,’ said Nicholas Ricigliano, Acting US Marshal for the District of New Jersey.
Farkas’ extradition to Israel is being handled by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
‘We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting New Jersey by enhancing border security and ensuring the United States does not become a haven for criminal fugitives,’ said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy.
‘Through robust collaboration with HSI Los Angeles, the US Marshals Service, and our global law enforcement partners, we proactively identify individuals who threaten public safety and diligently pursue justice for those accused of serious indecent acts against minors,’ McCarthy went on. ‘The United States will not provide sanctuary to those seeking to escape accountability.’