Israeli National Detained in Marrakech for International Fraud
Moroccan authorities have apprehended an Israeli citizen, Avi Golan, in Marrakech, who is internationally wanted for an extensive array of alleged fraud schemes that reportedly targeted hundreds, if not thousands, of victims, including many members of Jewish communities. This significant arrest was reported by various Israeli and Moroccan media outlets this week.
The 70-year-old Golan, described as a repeat offender operating under multiple identities, was captured during a nighttime raid at a luxurious villa located in an upscale district of Marrakech. Following his arrest, he was transferred to a prison in Rabat, where he awaits extradition proceedings.
According to reports from media outlets such as Mako, Golan was under an Interpol warrant and was sought in several countries. Frequently referred to as “the man with a thousand faces” in Israeli press, he allegedly utilized false passports and forged banking documents to impersonate various high-profile individuals, including a Brazilian Jewish billionaire, an American businessman, and a supposed heir tied to the Safra family, all in an effort to defraud his victims.
Allegations reported in the media indicate that Golan solicited donations under false pretenses, claiming to raise funds for airfare for Moroccan Jews wishing to immigrate to Israel or to provide food assistance to community members. Numerous alleged victims have come forward, claiming they transferred substantial sums after being contacted by Golan, who sometimes targeted synagogue officials and community donors.
This arrest followed a surge in complaints filed both in Morocco and abroad, some of which were prompted by an investigation published in Israeli media several weeks prior. Mako reports that Golan has spent approximately 35 years in prison for fraud and forgery and allegedly has over a hundred criminal cases against him in Israel. Sources cited by the media also indicate that he has left presumed victims in various countries, including Japan, Mexico, Germany, and several nations in South America.
While Moroccan authorities have not publicly detailed the charges that could support extradition, officials quoted in Israeli media have stated they are in contact with Israeli and German authorities.
As reported by fr.timesofisrael.com.
