Guatemala cracks down on Israeli Jewish sect Lev Tahor as child trafficking probe widens
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Guatemalan authorities have intensified their investigation into Lev Tahor, a controversial Jewish sect accused of human trafficking and child abuse, following the arrest of one of its senior members, according to press reports.
Yoel Alter, 35, was detained earlier this week outside a government-run center for minors in Guatemala City, according to the TRT World.
The arrest was carried out in coordination with Interpol, and authorities confirmed that he is wanted in Mexico for human trafficking. He is expected to be extradited soon.
The crackdown follows a major operation in Oratorio, southeast of Guatemala City, where authorities separated 148 children from their parents, citing severe abuse, including rape.
The children remain in protective custody while investigations continue.
“Based on the statements of the complainants, the evidence obtained, and the medical examinations, it was possible to establish that there are forms of human trafficking against these minors, such as forced marriage, abuse, and related crimes,” said Nancy Paiz, a prosecutor with Guatemala’s Office Against Human Trafficking.
Authorities also accuse some of the group’s young mothers of deliberately starving their children under orders from Lev Tahor leaders to pressure the government.
Content retrieved from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/guatemala-cracks-down-on-israeli-jewish-sect-lev-tahor-as-child-trafficking-probe-widens/3468584.
