LAKEWOOD — Federal authorities in New Jersey have arrested a 43-year-old man wanted in Israel on charges involving alleged sex crimes against children, officials said.
Yechiel Yehoshua Farkas, a resident of Lakewood, was taken into custody without incident on April 17 following a joint investigation involving U.S. and international law enforcement agencies. The arrest was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark and the U.S. Marshals Service’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Israeli authorities are seeking to prosecute Farkas for alleged attempted rape and indecent acts involving minors tied to incidents reported between 2020 and 2025. A court in Tel Aviv issued a warrant for his arrest in December 2025, prompting Israel to request his provisional arrest under an extradition treaty with the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey secured a federal warrant, leading to Farkas’ apprehension. He is expected to make an initial court appearance in Trenton as extradition proceedings move forward.
Officials emphasized the role of international cooperation in the case.
“This arrest reflects the strength of global law enforcement partnerships in pursuing individuals accused of serious crimes, particularly those involving the exploitation of children,” said Nicholas Ricigliano, acting U.S. marshal for the District of New Jersey.
Authorities said the investigation involved coordination between HSI offices in Newark and Los Angeles, along with Israeli officials and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Farkas remains in federal custody as the legal process continues.
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