The State Attorney’s Office on Sunday filed an indictment with the Beersheba District Juvenile Court against three teenagers from Ashdod for robbery, extortion, breaking into a vehicle, and possession of a knife.
The three teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, arranged a meet-up at an Ashdod gas station with a man they contacted through the dating app, Grindr, approximately a month ago.
One of the teenagers met the victim at the gas station, before leading him to a nearby park, where the two others, along with several others whose identities are still unknown, were waiting.
According to the court, the teenagers beat and choked the victim and knocked him to the ground.
One of the assailants also held a knife to the victim’s abdomen, while another pointed an object “resembling a gun” at him, threatening further harm if he did not hand over his money.
Stolen items estimated to cost over NIS 50,000
The victim’s Rolex watch, cellphone, and car keys were stolen. The indictment also noted that the attackers threatened that “in another second, the knife will move from your [the victim’s] stomach to your neck.”
Later, it was noted that the assailants attempted to transfer money from the victim’s bank account, but did not succeed, as facial recognition failed to recognize the man’s face.
After searching his wallet inside the car and finding no cash, they demanded that he go bring them NIS 4,500 in cash, while his belongings were kept as collateral.
During the drive, the victim approached passing police officers for help, who told him to return to the park accompanied by an unmarked police vehicle. Upon the officers’ arrival, the suspects fled the scene, though some were arrested soon after.
The victim sustained injuries, and the value of the stolen property has been estimated at approximately NIS 55,000.