Taxi driver suspected of swindling dementia patient he picked up from Ichilov out of NIS 10,000

ByHODAYA RANJULY 22, 2026 22:41Eyal Siman Tov, a 56-year-old taxi driver from Rehovot, was arrested on Monday evening by detectives from the Lev Tel Aviv Police Station in the Yarkon precinct on suspicion of defrauding a 75-year-old dementia patient who had left Ichilov Hospital.According to police suspicions, the driver stole the man's credit card during the ride, used it to make purchases totaling approximately NIS 10,000, and instead of taking him to his destination, dropped him off in north Tel Aviv and left him there alone. Following a hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, his detention was extended by four days.The investigation began after the elderly man filed a complaint, telling police he had ordered a taxi from Ichilov Hospital to travel to another city.According to the investigation, the driver allegedly took advantage of the passenger's condition during the journey, stole his credit card, and went on a shopping spree, making purchases worth approximately NIS 10,000.Ichilov hospital and Sourasky Medical Centre in Tel Aviv. (credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/GELLERJ)Police suspect that after completing the purchases, the driver did not complete the trip. Instead of taking the elderly man to his intended destination, he dropped him off in North Tel Aviv and drove away, leaving him alone and far from where he had asked to be taken.Suspect questioned on suspicion of theft, fraudFollowing the complaint, detectives from the Lev Tel Aviv Police Station launched a covert investigation, collected evidence, and identified the suspect. After the court issued an arrest warrant, he was arrested on Monday evening and questioned on suspicion of theft and fraud.Police were expected to bring the suspect before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to request a further extension of his detention as the investigation continues.Follow us on Google