Sex Trafficking Network Exposed in Israel

Israel’s State Attorney’s Office has filed serious indictments against three defendants accused of operating a nationwide prostitution ring that brought women into the country under false pretenses.

According to indictments filed August 22 in Tel Aviv District Court, Ella Katzman (63) of Tel Aviv, Alex Ze’evi (43) of Haifa, and Ella Litvinsky (52) of Rishon Lezion conspired with another individual to recruit women from multiple countries, misrepresenting their purpose of entry to border authorities. The women were then housed in apartments in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Kiryat Bialik, and Eilat, and advertised online for paid services.

Prosecutors say the women were required to surrender part of their rent plus half of their earnings to the accused, who set rates, handled client contacts, and profited from the operation.

The indictment further alleges that Alex Ze’evi raped one complainant in an apartment used by the ring, while Ella Litvinsky assaulted another woman after she refused to pay her money, striking her in the face with her knee.

The defendants face multiple charges, including rape, assault causing actual injury, causing a person to engage in prostitution, trafficking women into Israel for sex work, operating brothels, and pimping.

Prosecutor Ariela Navon, who filed the case, wrote in a detention request that the network misled women with promises of high earnings and full logistical support, only to exploit them once inside Israel.