By On January 24, 2025, Interpol agents in Guatemala arrested Yoel Alter, a 35-year-old Isr*eli national and member of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor. The arrest took place near a government-run children’s shelter in Guatemala City, where minors from the sect are housed following allegations of abuse. Alter is wanted in Mexico for charges related to human trafficking and is awaiting extradition proceedings.
Lev Tahor, established in the 1980s, is known for its strict religious practices and has faced legal challenges in various countries, including Canada and Mexico. In December 2024, Guatemalan authorities raided the sect’s compound in Oratorio, Santa Rosa, rescuing 160 children due to concerns about abuse and forced marriages. These minors are currently under state protection, leading to ongoing protests from sect members demanding their return.
The arrest of Alter marks a significant development in the international efforts to address the alleged criminal activities associated with Lev Tahor. Guatemalan authorities continue to collaborate with international partners to investigate and prosecute offenses linked to the sect, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals.
