ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested a foreign fugitive in Lakewood on April 17 who is wanted in Israel for sex crimes against children.
The case highlights ongoing cooperation between international and U.S. law enforcement agencies to prevent fugitives from using the United States as a refuge from prosecution.
According to ICE, Yechiel Yehoshua Farkash, a 43-year-old resident of Lakewood, was taken into federal custody without incident by HSI special agents and members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The arrest followed coordination among HSI Newark, HSI Los Angeles, and the U.S. Marshals Service after notification from Israeli authorities that Farkash was sought for attempted rape and indecent acts involving children committed between 2020 and 2023.
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting New Jersey by enhancing border security and ensuring the United States does not become a haven for criminal fugitives," said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. "Through robust collaboration with HSI Los Angeles, the U.S. Marshals Service and our global law enforcement partners, we proactively identify individuals who threaten public safety and diligently pursue justice for those accused of serious indecent acts against minors. The United States will not provide sanctuary to those seeking to escape accountability."
The government of Israel requested provisional arrest under the U.S.-Israel extradition treaty with a view toward extradition, leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey to obtain a provisional arrest warrant from the District Court.
