U.S. Releases Top Israeli Cyber Official Arrested in Child Sex Sting

Date: 17 August 2025 - 22:02

News ID: ۱۴۲۶۱۷

WASHINGTON (Dispatches) -- An Israeli cyber official closely linked to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arrested in Las Vegas on child sex crime charges but was swiftly released and returned to Israeli-controlled territories, according to multiple reports.
Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, Acting Head of Data & AI at Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a two-week undercover operation involving the FBI, Homeland Security, and Nevada police. He was charged with luring a child using a computer for a sexual act, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Alexandrovich, who does not hold diplomatic immunity, was booked at the Henderson Detention Center. However, reports indicate that the Trump administration intervened to expedite his release at Israel’s request.
The North Star News reported that despite authorizing the sting operation, the Trump administration overrode U.S. law enforcement efforts to ensure Alexandrovich’s quick return to Israeli-held territories.
“A predator was caught. And then, to protect Netanyahu, he was freed,” the outlet said, citing law enforcement sources involved in the investigation.
Henderson police confirmed Alexandrovich’s arrest and that charges remain pending. Yet Israeli officials have downplayed the incident. Netanyahu’s office stated the official was “questioned” but not arrested and returned as scheduled. Israeli media outlet Ynet echoed this, reporting Alexandrovich was only briefly questioned before departing.
In contrast, international media such as The Guardian and The Jerusalem Post confirmed Alexandrovich was one of eight men arrested and charged in the sting operation targeting individuals attempting to entice minors online for sexual acts. The Times of Israel also reported his detention and anticipated indictments.
Alexandrovich holds a sensitive position overseeing Israel’s scandalous cyberwarfare campaign and is the founder of the “Cyber Dome” initiative, a multi-million-dollar program reportedly employing artificial intelligence to detect and neutralize cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
The case has sparked concern over U.S.-Israeli relations and potential interference in law enforcement, raising questions about accountability and diplomatic privilege in cases involving serious criminal allegations.