HSI, US Marshals arrest fugitive in New Jersey wanted for sex crimes against children in Israel

NEWARK, N.J. - ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested a foreign fugitive in Lakewood who is wanted in Israel for sex crimes against children.

Following an investigation and coordination between international and U.S. law enforcement agencies, Yechiel Yehoshua Farkash, a 43-year-old Lakewood resident, was taken into federal custody without incident April 17 by HSI special agents and members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.

"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."

HSI Newark, HSI Los Angeles and the U.S. Marshals Service began working together when they were notified Israeli authorities sought to prosecute Farkas for attempted rape and indecent acts involving children based on acts committed in Israel between 2020 and 2023. Pursuant to the U.S.-Israel extradition treaty, the government of Israel requested provisional arrest with a view toward extradition, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey obtained a provisional arrest warrant in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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