Assi Moosh was deported Sunday after being arrested in the Caribbean beach resort city of Santa Marta, not far from where he operated a fortress-like hotel known for throwing loud parties for tourists, the official said.
The official said investigators believe Moosh also ran hostels in six other nations, including Costa Rica, Brazil and Mexico, and allege he operated a foundation that promised to help underprivileged children but in fact was used as a tool to recruit them into prostitution. He was detained after being summoned by authorities to answer questions related to his application.
He arrived at the appointment in a bullet-proof truck and was believed to have had more than a dozen bodyguards waiting for him in the vehicle, the official said. Tourism to Colombia has increased in recent years, with more than 2. Still, many foreigners come to Colombia seeking easy access to drugs and prostitution. Human trafficking and sexual exploitation remain major problems.
According to government statistics, there were more than reported cases of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Officials in Israel declined to comment on the case, though a local newspaper reported in that Moosh was one of 14 Israelis arrested on suspicion of being part of an international drug smuggling ring.
Moosh was alleged to be the head of the ring, which smuggled ecstasy and cocaine. Colombia deports Israeli accused of promoting sex tourism. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
