In a large-scale operation targeting suspects in the online sexual exploitation of minors, eight people were arrested, including Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, 38, an employee of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Las Vegas police said Friday.
All detainees are charged with attempting to entice minors online to commit sexual acts. The directorate confirmed the arrest and said the employee has gone on leave until the findings are clarified.
A senior official at the Cyber Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office was arrested on suspicion of links to pedophilia. A joint operation by Las Vegas police and the FBI over the past two weeks led to the arrest of eight suspects, including Alexandrovich, 38, from Israel. After questioning, Alexandrovich returned to Israel and was placed on leave from the directorate.
Las Vegas police said the suspects were investigated on suspicion of luring a minor by computer for sexual relations. Those arrested included men aged 23 to 49: David Wonnacott-Yahnke, 40; Jose Alberto Perez-Torres, 35; Aniket Brajeshkumar Sadani, 23; James Ramon Reddick, 23; Ramon Manuel Parra Valenzuela, 29; Neal Harrison Creecy, 46; and John Charles Duncan, 49.
Police said the goal was to identify individuals who pose a danger to minors online and prevent them from contacting children and teenagers.
Alexandrovich, an Israeli resident, worked in a technical role at the Cyber Directorate.
A veteran of cybersecurity
He is a veteran computer professional at the directorate whose name had not previously appeared in public or criminal contexts. In recent years, he held roles related to protecting computer systems and was considered a professional and respected employee.He was involved in establishing the “Cyber Dome” program, a government initiative to protect the civilian sphere from cyberattacks. His work included developing national cyber strategies, leading teams, and defending critical infrastructure against ongoing threats.
He also worked in cyber-threat intelligence and active defense; took part in shaping Israel’s cyber policy and in international forums; and advised various government bodies. Alexandrovich managed large budgets and projects to protect vital infrastructure and election systems. He was previously among the recipients of the Israel Defense Prize for achievements in cyber.
“The employee updated the directorate that during his trip to the United States, he was questioned by the US authorities on matters unrelated to his work, and he returned to Israel at the planned time of return," the Cyber Directorate said in response. "The directorate has not received additional details through authorized channels to date. Should such details be received, the directorate will act accordingly. At this stage, by joint decision, the employee has gone on leave to deal with the matter until things become clear.”
Las Vegas police called on anyone with additional information, or anyone harmed by any of the suspects, to contact the US Internet Crimes Against Children unit or report anonymously to the sexual assault victim hotline.
