Tel Aviv District police arrested a suspect who allegedly impersonated a member of the security forces in order to steal weapons during and after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre in the northwestern Negev, the district reported on Sunday.
Roi Yifrach allegedly roamed the Gaza border area for several weeks with a fake ID and was even photographed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while he was visiting the region.
Yifrach also met Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, all without anyone realizing he was an imposter.
A search of the suspect’s home and car uncovered military equipment that he allegedly stole during a period beginning on Oct. 7, including an M4 rifle, stun grenades, smoke grenades, explosive charges and a drone.
In a separate case, the Israel Police said on Sunday that a man suspected of defrauding soldiers was arrested. The suspect allegedly charged IDF soldiers tens of thousands of shekels each for combat equipment that included helmets, boots and flak jackets. The equipment paid for was never delivered, according to authorities.
About 500 soldiers and families of troops are believed to have been victims of the fraud, including soldiers serving in combat in the Gaza Strip.
