Guatemala became the scene of the capture of Yoel Alter, an Israeli citizen wanted by Mexican authorities for his alleged involvement in human trafficking crimes in Tapachula, Chiapas.
Interpol made the arrest in response to an extradition request issued by the Mexican government, which requires him to face specific charges related to human trafficking in that region in the south of the country.
Alter is being investigated for the alleged sexual abuse of minors who belonged to his community, in a case that has generated great commotion, since in 2022, Mexican authorities rescued several children in Tapachula who were living in the custody of members of the radical ultra-Orthodox group ‘Lev Tahor’, of which Yoel Alter is the leader.
A child member of the Jewish sect Lev Tahor screams as other members protest at a government facility where they are being held after being detained last Sunday during an operation by agents of the National Institute of Migration (INM), in Huixtla, state of Chiapas, Mexico.
This group has been singled out internationally for its abusive practices and strict interpretation of religious laws, which include child marriages and forced separation of families.
That same year, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) implemented an operation on the border of Tapachula, where two alleged leaders of Lev Tahor were arrested, identified as Menachem “E” and Moshe “J.”
The detainees face accusations ranging from organized crime and drug trafficking to sexual abuse, which shows the criminal scope of this sect.
Alter’s capture reinforces collaboration between countries in the fight against crimes such as human trafficking and child abuse, especially in the context of closed religious groups.
Mexican authorities are working to dismantle the exploitation networks associated with Lev Tahor and ensure that those responsible face justice. This case highlights the vulnerability of minors living in isolated communities under the control of extremist groups.
It also highlights the need to strengthen strategies to protect human rights, especially of children, in contexts of abuse and exploitation.
Alter’s extradition could provide new evidence on the crimes committed by Lev Tahor and open a window to clarify more cases related to this sect at an international level.

Source: infobae