FBI and police officials in the U.S. are conducting a manhunt for Professor Tzvi Tzfira, a former lecturer at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, who has been charged in the U.S. with possession and distribution of child pornography. Tzfira returned to Israel last year after many years of teaching in Michigan and took a position at Ben-Gurion, from which he recently resigned. The FBI was tipped off by Italian police, who provided law enforcement with the names of several individuals believed to be involved in the distribution of child pornography. Tzfira, who was living in the U.S. at the time, was included on the list. The FBI obtained a warrant and searched Tzfira's home in July 2010. They confiscated computers and other equipment and found 40 photos of minors in sexual positions. Many of the children were younger than 10 years old. Tzfira, who at the time was an assistant biology professor at the University of Michigan, was charged with the crimes in February 2011 in a federal court in Detroit. He fled the country, however, before police could arrest him. FBI agent James Brennen submitted an affidavit to the court claiming that Tzfira posted pornographic material on the Internet using the pseudonym "ya2009." During the search of his home, Tzfira confirmed to investigators that he indeed had used that pseudonym. After the search in his home, Tzfira left the U.S. and returned to Israel, where he was accepted for a position at Ben-Gurion University. When university officials realized that he was wanted by U.S. authorities, Tzfira resigned and left the university. It is not known whether the U.S. has issued an extradition request to Israel for Tzfira. Tzfira's attorney, Yahel Ben-Oved, said her client denies the allegations, and that he returned to Israel not to flee charges but to take care of his mother. Amir Rosenblit, spokesman for Ben-Gurion University, said that Tzfira was no longer employed by the university. If caught and convicted in a U.S. court, Tzfira faces a minimum of 15 years in prison.
U.S. searching for Israeli professor who fled after child porn charge
FBI searching for the former Ben-Gurion University lecturer who fled the U.S. • Authorities found 40 photos of minors in sexual acts in his possession • Suspect, declared a fugitive from the law, escaped to Israel before he could be arrested.
Load more...